The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to resume toll collection on national highways from Monday. As many states plan to ease restrictions after an extended lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic. With the focus on graded opening of economic activities especially easing movement of inter- state transport.
The NHAI had suspended toll collection on all national highways after the 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on April 15 released new Lockdown Guidelines for the country listing select economic activities that will be allowed to function after April 20 only after the review of the COVID-19 situation in India.
The MHA had said that the revised guidelines will not apply in containment zones, as demarcated by States.
The exemptions given by the Ministry are:
1. People working in MNREGA, especially those involved in irrigation and water conservation activities, can resume their duties while maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.
2. Farming industry will remain open. The states/Uts will have to ensure decentralisation in the procurement and marketing of the harvest.
3. Animal husbandry, fishing industry and horticulture industry will be open. The supply chain of the animal husbandry will now be open.
4. Rural industries, especially food processing industries will now be open.
5. Health services will continue as earlier.
6. The essential goods supply chain will continue to function.