Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has stepped in to settle the long-pending salary dues of employees working at toll plazas along the Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg (HBTMSM), following repeated defaults by the previous contractor, Roadways Solutions.
The exact amount paid by MSRDC, which runs into a few crores of rupees, has not been disclosed, but the dues had been pending from October 1 to 11, 2024. An MSRDC official confirmed that despite the financial issues faced by the toll staff, there was no disruption in toll collection.
Statement Of An Official
“We had sent multiple letters and emails to Roadways Solutions, but after receiving no response, we decided to clear the dues ourselves to ensure smooth operations. The amount will be recovered from the contractor,” the official said.
Citing multiple service lapses and staff grievances, MSRDC replaced Roadways Solutions and appointed Nagpur-based Ashmi Road Carrier Private Limited as the new toll collection agency for both the HBTMSM and the Bandra-Worli Sealink. The new contractor selected through a formal tendering process, took charge on October 11, 2024, following Roadways Solutions’ failure to meet operational standards.