In a major ruling, the Allahabad High Court on October 26 decided to make the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) Flyway toll-free with immediate effect. The decision comes as a huge relief to residents and officegoers in the national capital region and its outskirts.
The decision has been taken after more than 80 court hearings and three hikes in toll fee. The last hearing of the case was on August 8, and the judgment was reserved by the bench.
Being the most frequent users of the flyway, residents of Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Mayur Vihar are elated with the court's decision.
"We couldn't have asked for a better Diwali gift," said Dr Imran Siddiqui, resident of Supertech Emerald Court in Noida, who travels to Delhi every day for work.
The DND Flyway witnessed several protests and demonstrations calling for the discontinuation of the toll fee — Rs 28 for private cars and autos, Rs 12 for two-wheelers. This was after allegations that Noida Toll Bridge Company Ltd (NTBCL), the firm responsible for maintaining the 9.2-km stretch (including the Mayur Vihar link), had already made significant profits.
Federation of Noida RWAs (FONRWA) had filed a PIL in Allahabad High Court on November 16, 2012, requesting that the DND toll be scrapped. FONRWA president NP Singh has termed this verdict a victory for the common man.
A double bench comprising justice Arun Tandon and justice Sunita Agarwal passed the judgement that no more toll would be charged at the DND Flyway.
The toll booth on the flyway has been charging commuters since it was opened to traffic in 2001. The court said that as per records, the DND's total construction was Rs 407 crore and NTBCL had already made more than Rs 2,000 crore in toll collection.
While most DND users see this as a reason to rejoice, there are a few who believe it will mean traffic snarls on the flyway.
