Salute armed forces personnel at toll plazas: NHAI to staff

NHAI has directed staff at toll plazas to salute and give "standing ovation" to armed forces personnel travelling on official duty, in recognition of their exemplary services.
The directions follow complaints from armed forces personnel of misconduct by toll plaza staff while allowing exemption from toll fee.
In a recent policy circular, NHAI said that considering the unparallelled service of armed forces towards the safety and security of the country, such type of rude behaviour is not acceptable.
"The Armed Forces personnel deserve the highest regard and should be given due respect at the toll plaza including salute and standing ovations as deemed fit," it said.

NHAI has directed training of the toll operating staff accordingly to pay due respect to the personnel and "salute their selfless dedication to the country".
It also made it clear that verification of their identification cards should be done by senior and competent authority and not left to the untrained lowest staff.

"It is needless to emphasise that considering the extreme sacrifice of Armed Forces to the Nation in case of doubt with respect to nature of their official duty, benefit of doubt should be given appropriately to Armed Forces Personnel," said the NHAI circular.
It said a lot of complaints have been received from the armed forces personnel that toll plaza agencies are not honouring the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways directions in true letter and spirit in allowing exemption from toll fee while discharging their official duty.

In spite of armed forces personnel/officers showing their identity card and explaining that they are on official duty, toll plaza employees often use harsh language and ask for further proof.