Thank you for your thoughtful questions! The government ensures that private companies maintain road quality during the lease period through strict contracts and performance standards. Under models like Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT), companies are required to follow detailed guidelines for road maintenance, which include regular resurfacing, timely repairs, upkeep of safety features, and cleanliness. These obligations are monitored through periodic inspections and digital reporting systems, and there are penalty clauses in place if the maintenance does not meet the required standards. In serious cases, contracts can even be terminated or taken back if the company fails to deliver on its responsibilities.

As for toll prices, private companies do not have the freedom to set them on their own. Toll rates are regulated by the government and are usually linked to inflation and cost indices. This means tolls may increase slightly over time but within a fixed framework, and only under government approval. Interestingly, once a private company recovers its investment cost, the toll prices often reduce to about 40% of the original rate for the remaining years of the lease. Additionally, the government is working on implementing a new tolling system that will charge drivers based on the exact distance travelled using camera and FASTag technology, replacing the traditional toll plaza system.

In summary, road quality is protected by enforceable rules and government oversight, while toll rates remain regulated to avoid burdening everyday drivers. The overall idea is to balance private sector efficiency with public interest safeguards, ensuring that infrastructure is both well-maintained and fairly priced.