Guwahati: Motorists travelling along key stretches of National Highway 27 (NH-27), formerly known in large parts as NH-31, are facing severe inconvenience as large potholes and damaged road surfaces continue to plague the routes — despite toll taxes being collected from road users at multiple points along the corridor.
As of 2026, Assam has 12 operational toll gates functioning under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Among the stretches drawing the sharpest criticism from commuters is the corridor from Khanpara in Guwahati to Nagaon on NH-27, where motorists must pay toll tax at two plazas — Nazirakhat toll plaza in Sonapur and Raha toll plaza — both located on the same NH-37/New NH-27 highway corridor. Commuters describe the condition of both stretches as deplorable.
A similar situation prevails on the Jalukbari-to-Pathsala stretch, where commuters pay toll tax at Madanpur, near Baihata Chariali. This section of NH-27 is also dilapidated, with large potholes reported across several stretches.
The NHAI collected Rs 500.8 crore in toll revenue from ten toll gates across Assam during the calendar year 2024.
Toll Paid, Roads Neglected
The condition of these stretches has raised questions over road maintenance and the utilisation of toll revenue. Commuters say they are being charged tolls for using roads that, in many places, are badly damaged and riddled with potholes.
In Raha, Sonapur and Nazirakhat, motorists have reported stretches where potholes have become a major hazard, particularly for two-wheelers and vehicles travelling at night. During rains, the situation worsens as water collects inside the potholes, making their depth difficult to judge.
Frequent braking and sudden swerving to avoid potholes have also increased the risk of accidents. Heavy vehicles and buses navigating the damaged stretches add to the difficulties faced by daily commuters.
“We Have a Right to Safe Roads”
Motorists question why tolls continue to be collected when basic road maintenance appears inadequate.
“If toll tax is being collected regularly, commuters have a right to expect roads that are safe and properly maintained,” said a commuter, questioning whether the toll revenue is being adequately utilised for repair and maintenance.
The deteriorating road conditions have also triggered concerns about vehicle damage, longer travel times and road safety. For daily commuters, the issue is particularly frustrating, as they are required to pay toll charges while simultaneously dealing with unsafe and poorly maintained road surfaces.
Residents and regular road users have urged the authorities and agencies responsible for the road stretches to undertake immediate repairs and proper maintenance, rather than waiting for the potholes to become bigger safety hazards.
The situation has raised a larger question: if motorists are paying toll tax, why are they still being forced to travel on roads filled with potholes?
Authorities responsible for the respective stretches are yet to provide a detailed explanation on the condition of the roads and the maintenance work being undertaken.