West Bengal Government Orders Immediate Closure of Unauthorised Toll Gates Across State

Kolkata, May 2026 : The West Bengal government has ordered the immediate closure of all unauthorised toll gates, drop gates and collection points operating across the state, marking a major administrative crackdown on illegal fee collection systems that had proliferated during the previous Trinamool Congress regime.

The directive was issued by newly appointed Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who instructed all district administrations to identify and dismantle unauthorised toll collection points functioning without approval from the competent state authorities.

According to the official order, all toll gates, barricaded structures, drop gates and collection points from where vehicles are being stopped and charges collected illegally must be shut down with immediate effect.

The order specifically stated that any collection of fees, levies or charges at such unauthorised locations should cease immediately. District Magistrates across West Bengal have been asked to conduct urgent inspections within their jurisdictions and ensure that such structures are removed without delay.

The administration has also directed officials to take preventive measures to stop the re-establishment of these collection points unless they receive proper authorisation from the state government.

In addition, District Magistrates have been instructed to prepare a verified list of all legally authorised toll collection points operating in their respective districts. The government has sought a detailed report distinguishing authorised and unauthorised toll points, which must be submitted to the Under Secretary by noon on May 15.

The order warned officials to implement the directive “in letter and spirit” and indicated that responsibility would be fixed in case of non-compliance.

During the previous regime, complaints regarding unauthorised toll gates had become increasingly common, particularly along several state highways. Truck operators, private bus owners and motorists had repeatedly alleged that vehicles were routinely stopped and forced to pay cash without any official receipts or legal documentation.

Many of these collection points were allegedly operated by local ruling party leaders and their associates. Transport operators had long accused the previous administration of failing to act against the alleged extortion network despite repeated complaints.

The issue had become a major point of criticism from opposition parties and transport associations, who claimed that illegal toll collection increased transportation costs and harassed commuters travelling across districts.

After assuming office as Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari had promised stricter governance and action against corruption and extortion-related activities in the state administration.

Officials said the latest directive is part of the government’s broader effort to restore administrative transparency, regulate road transport operations and eliminate unauthorised money collection practices across West Bengal.