Supreme Court Clears Way: DND Flyway to Remain Toll-Free Following Critique of Authorities

The Supreme Court agreed to modify remarks against Pradeep Puri, former NTBCL official, while reaffirming the decision to keep the Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway toll-free. The court criticized NTBCL's profit motives and noted that the project costs have been recovered, dismissing NTBCL's plea to resume toll collection.

The Supreme Court on Thursday modified its judgment involving Pradeep Puri, former official of Noida Toll Bridge Company Ltd (NTBCL), a private operator of the Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway. This decision comes amid a solidifying verdict keeping the flyway toll-free for commuters.

Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan clarified the judgment, stating remarks against Puri were inadvertently made. Despite this change, the court upheld its previous ruling of maintaining the toll-free status of DND due to NTBCL having recouped project expenses and profit.

The court's original decision critiqued the blatant misuse of power by the Noida Authority. Highlighting financial achievements of NTBCL, the court noted further toll collection lacks justification. The CAG report alleged NTBCL's toll income reached substantial figures, further supporting the court's stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)