UER-2 Toll Controversy: Are Rules Being Violated at This Delhi Toll Plaza? A Ground Report on Citizens’ Struggles

West Delhi. In Dwarka Sector-23, water conservation expert Diwan Singh, originally from Mundka village, frequently travels between Dwarka and his native place. Ever since the Urban Extension Road 2 (UER-2) was constructed, he has been using the stretch from Dwarka’s Yashobhoomi to reach Mundka directly.

However, before reaching Mundka, he must cross the Mundka–Bakkarwala toll plaza near Rohtak Road on UER-2. Every time he makes this journey, ₹235 is deducted from his FASTag account while going, and additional charges are cut on his way back. In total, each round trip costs him nearly ₹350.

This is not just Diwan Singh’s problem. Residents of Dwarka and surrounding areas face the same burden. Spending ₹350 daily on commuting feels less like an expense and more like an injustice — especially when both sides of the toll fall within the same city boundaries.

Violation of the Right to Free Movement?

Local residents argue that paying tolls for traveling from one part of Delhi to another amounts to a violation of their constitutional right to free movement. For them, tolls appear to be a barrier created to discourage movement within their own city.

“Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like we are in Delhi,” says Singh. “If we are in the same city, there should be uniform rules. Why is one road free while another, within the same Delhi, comes at such a heavy price?”

Even for small trips — for instance, if someone from Mundka needs to go to nearby Bakkarwala — they are forced to pay around ₹350. Locals describe this system as “madness.”

Poor Condition of Alternative Roads

Residents also highlight that while the government invested heavily in UER-2, the surrounding village and colony roads were completely neglected.

“The nearby roads are in such poor condition that they are practically unusable,” says Wazir from Bakkarwala village. “Traffic jams are a daily issue. What should be a few minutes’ drive often takes half an hour to an hour. That’s why people are forced to use UER-2 — and, in turn, forced to pay tolls.”

Exemption Within 20 km Ignored

Locals further argue that, as per norms, people living within 20 km of a toll plaza should be exempted from toll charges. This provision exists across India, yet it is not being implemented here.

“If the government really wanted to provide relief to local residents, a separate service lane could have been constructed to bypass the toll,” say the residents. “But no such facility has been planned here.”

Voices of Protest

“Every road around UER-2 — be it Najafgarh-Nangloi Road, Bakkarwala Main Road, or the Mundka village road — is in terrible shape. This forces us to use UER-2 and pay the toll. It’s simply unfair,” says Vishal Singh from Loknayakpuram.

“Why should we pay tolls to move within our own city? This extra financial burden is being imposed on Delhiites without justification. If UER-2 is not meant to increase citizens’ expenses, then the toll must be removed,” adds Rajesh Singh, also from Loknayakpuram.