According to official records, the government began collecting toll on 12 December 2019 after removing Hyderabad-based Transstroy Private Limited from the project over financial irregularities. Toll operations continued under state control until October 2025, generating ₹270.29 crore in revenue.
The controversy intensified after a stretch of the bypass caved in in October. The collapse renewed scrutiny of the road’s condition, as no major repair work had been carried out during the years the government collected toll. Before being removed, Transstroy had already been accused of under-reporting daily collections and failing to comply with escrow account guidelines.
Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh told the House that an independent audit in 2019 revealed that the company’s reported revenue was significantly lower than actual collections, estimated at around ₹10.5 lakh per day. The Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) blacklisted the firm in February 2021 after repeated notices went unanswered.
However, MLA Grewal questioned the state’s own conduct, arguing that the government had no legal authority to impose toll for six years after taking over operations. He demanded to know under which rule toll was collected and why the public was charged despite the deteriorating condition of the road. Grewal termed the practice “misuse of state fees” and sought an immediate halt to toll collection.
The government maintains it acted within its rights after terminating the concession agreement, but the opposition has demanded a legal review and accountability for the road’s collapse. Further discussion is expected in the coming Assembly sessions as departments prepare detailed responses.
