Residents of Dwarka, Mundka, Bakkarwala, and nearby areas have expressed strong opposition to the toll being charged at the Mundka-Bakkarwala plaza on the Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2). Locals say they are being forced to pay Rs 350 for a round trip within the same city, calling it both unjust and a violation of their right to free movement.
Diwan Singh, a water conservation expert from Dwarka’s Sector-23 who frequently travels to his native Mundka village, said that every trip across the toll plaza deducts Rs 235 from his FASTag, with Rs 350 charged for a round journey. “We are travelling within Delhi, yet being charged as if we are crossing states. This feels like an injustice,” he said.
ALSO READ: 'CUET Flawed': 9,500 Vacant Seats At DU Spark Debate, Teachers Demand Return To Old System
Residents say the burden is not limited to long-distance commuters. Even for short trips, for example, travelling from Mundka to nearby Bakkarwala, people are forced to pay the toll.
Locals argue that charging tolls within city limits violates their constitutional right to movement. “In Delhi, there should be a uniform system. On one road, travel is free, while on another, we are charged a toll. What kind of city are we building?” residents asked.
Residents also allege that the toll system has left them with no choice. Roads surrounding UER-2, including Najafgarh-Nangloi Road, Bakkarwala Main Road, and routes through Mundka, are in poor condition and heavily congested. “If nearby village roads had been developed properly, people might not even use the UER. But now, due to compulsion, we must pay Rs 350 each time,” said Wazir from Bakkarwala.
Citing the national practice of exempting residents living within 20 kilometres of a toll plaza, locals demand the same rule be applied here. They argue that a service lane or alternate free passage should have been provided to exempt local commuters.
“Why should we pay a toll to move from one locality to another within Delhi? If UER-2 was meant to ease travel, it should not become a financial burden. The toll must be removed for Delhi residents,” said Rajesh Singh of Loknayakpuram.