Centre blames Punjab for Rs 1,638 crore loss due to toll plaza closures

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has written to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, reporting losses amounting to Rs 1,638 crore caused by the prolonged closure of toll plazas in the state.

According to the letter, the toll plaza shutdowns resulted in a loss of Rs 41.83 crore between 2022 and 2023. From January to July 2024, the fiscal deficit stood at Rs 179.10 crore. Additionally, the ministry highlighted a loss of Rs 1,348.77 crore during the period from October 2020 to December 2021.

Reacting to the Centre’s claims, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema held the central government responsible for the losses. He said the financial burden arose due to the Centre’s actions.

Reports suggest that the central government may now seek to recover the losses from the Punjab government.