Bengal government orders immediate closure of illegal toll gates by Friday

The West Bengal government has launched a state-wide crackdown on illegal toll and drop gates. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal issued a stern directive on Wednesday, stating that all toll plazas, drop gates, and barricades operating without formal government approval must be shut down immediately. This action follows the Chief Minister's recent pledge to eliminate "Syndicate Raj" and illegal roadside collections that have long plagued transport operators in the state.

The directive specifically instructs district administrations to identify unauthorized operational collection points in their respective jurisdictions and ensure their prompt removal. The state government has emphasized that no money should be collected at these points starting today. Local authorities have also been tasked with maintaining a strict vigil to prevent the re-emergence of these illegal barriers, which often serve as hubs for local extortion rackets.

The Chief Secretary's office has set a tight deadline for compliance, requiring all district authorities to compile a comprehensive list of both legal and illegal toll collection centers. This report must be submitted to the Under Secretary by 12 noon on May 15, 2026. This systematic mapping is intended to bring transparency to the state’s transport network and ensure that only government-authorized entities are involved in revenue collection.