Chandigarh, April 19: Public Works Minister Punjab Mr. Vijay Inder Singla, on Sunday, told that Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab government has extended the suspension period of tolling operations at all State Toll Plazas till May 3.
He added that on March 27, the tolling operations were seized till earlier set limit of lockdown but now the toll plazas will remain closed till May 3 as the nationwide lockdown has also been extended to control the spread of coronavirus.
Singla said that as many as 23 toll plazas were operational under the state government in Punjab.
However, the toll plazas under NHAI will be resuming toll collection from April 20 onwards following the orders of union government where commuters will have to pay the tax.
The PWD minister said that besides providing free passage, the toll plazas operational under state government will continue providing langar (free food) to the drivers till May 3. He added the roadside dhabas and restaurants were shut due to lockdown but the state government ensured availability of cooked meal to the drivers of the emergency supply vehicles.
Mr. Vijay Inder Singla said that the orders in this regard have already been sent to concerned parties by the public works department. He added that it is a crucial time for the nation due to the spread of Covid-19 and the decision would ensure hassle free movement of emergency vehicles in the state.
The cabinet minister informed that the state government has pressed all the required services to curb the contamination of the virus. He said that the emergency services are being delivered at the door steps of the citizens in Punjab.
He appealed to the people to stay inside their home to stay safe from coronavirus.
