Khed Shivapur toll plaza gets eight additional lanes in August 2016

Driving past the busy Khed Shivapur toll plaza on Pune-Kolhapur-Bangalore national highway (NH4) has just got easier from August 2016 with the addition of eight more lanes to it.
Till recently, a common toll plaza with six lanes on each side was in operation. The authorities have now not only added more lanes, but also commenced separate toll collection centres on each side to ensure speedy movement of vehicles, which are otherwise stuck in long queues up to the toll collection booths.
Also, four additional booths have been set up on each side to accommodate more vehicles. These are in addition to a booth on each side kept reserved for two-wheelers.
Over 35,000 vehicles are estimated to pass through the Khed Shivapur toll every day. During weekends and holidays, daily turnout increases up to 40,000.
While traveling to Kolhapur, passing through Khed Shivapur toll was a daunting task. During weekends, there used to be such long queues here that it was impossible to even spot the toll plaza. The augmentation was long pending. It is a welcome step that separate booths have been set up now. Hopefully the collection of toll will be faster. Authorities should ensure that a vehicle should not wait at the booth for more than 2 to 3 minutes.
Earlier some lanes remained shut which led to queuing of vehicles. Authorities should operate all lanes and ensure that separate lanes are reserved for cars and heavy vehicles.
Toll plaza administration has confirmed that separate booth has come up at Pune-Kolhapur lane. The construction was underway over the last few months and was completed in end July 2016. All lanes on both sides are now functioning, besides a separate lane marked for vehicles paying the toll through cards.
Meanwhile, the authorities claimed that the on-duty staff at the plaza has been asked to ensure that the toll is collected in a minimum time. The staff has been told to wear uniforms and be polite with the drivers. A separate team has also been appointed to look after the movement of vehicles at toll booths and bunching of vehicles in first few lanes.
Recent surge in residential colonies and commercial activities in Khed Shivapur and Shidnewadi area along the highway has led to an increase in vehicular traffic at the toll plaza. Few months ago, Pune district collector had asked the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to initiate steps to minimize waiting time at the toll and also provide basic infrastructure facilities, including toilets for commuters.

Note: The picture was clicked at the same toll plaza in May 2013.
(Additional source of information: TNN | Aug 12, 2016)