The High Court has issued notices to both the Central and State governments over a petition challenging the unauthorized toll collection on the Belgaum-Goa highway.
The notices pertain to toll charges being levied at the Ganebale toll plaza in Khanapur taluk, located on National Highway-748 along the Karnataka-Goa border. The matter was brought before the court through a public interest litigation filed by local residents, including Krishnaji Patil.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi passed the order, directing the Central Government’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Belagavi District Administration to file their responses. The next hearing is scheduled for November 3.
The highway stretch between Khanapur and Belagavi, constructed by NHAI to connect Karnataka and Goa, remains incomplete. The Ganebale toll plaza lies about 10 km beyond Desuru village en route to Khanapur. Despite construction being halted for nearly 4–5 years due to farmer protests in Halaga Bastawada village, toll is reportedly being collected at the plaza.
The petitioners argue that no toll should be charged on an unfinished road and have urged the court to instruct the Ministry of Road Transport and NHAI to cease toll collection at Ganebale.
