The closure of the Shambhu toll plaza on the Haryana-Punjab interstate border since February 10 has resulted in a loss exceeding Rs 220 crore to the Central government exchequer, alongside widespread inconvenience to commuters and significant impacts on transport businesses.
The toll plaza was shut down due to the ongoing farmers' agitation, with cement barricades, barbed wires and heavy police presence deployed to block entry into Haryana. On average, 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles crossed the Shambhu toll daily on NH-44. With its closure, vehicles are now diverted to alternate routes, causing traffic congestion and delays on the Delhi-Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar highways.
An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said, “Currently, there is a loss of Rs 74 lakh daily due to the closure of the Shambhu border.” Previously, the toll agency deposited Rs 72 lakh daily under its tender agreement.
Commuters, unaware of the situation, frequently reach the toll plaza only to be redirected by on-duty police personnel. Alternative routes such as Zirakpur, Lalru and Ambala-Kaithal roads are now overcrowded, with village roads also bearing the brunt of diverted traffic.
Transport businesses have been severely affected. Ramniwas Sharma, president, Ambala Goods Transport Association, said, “The closure has caused trucks to cover extra kilometres and burn more fuel, costing Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 extra per load. Earlier, trucks took 45-60 minutes to reach Rajpura, but now it takes four to five hours, leading to delays in unloading and subsequent trips. Detention at factories until the next day further disrupts schedules.”
Transporters have faced yearly contract losses and have submitted memorandums to the government without any resolution. “It has been 10 months, and there is no clarity on reopening. We urge the government to clear the route at the earliest,” Sharma added.