During the Question Hour, Pankaj Upadhyay, a first-time Congress MLA from Jaura assembly, queried Minister for PWD Rakesh Singh about the government's priorities—whether it is serving the people or favouring contractors. Upadhyay specifically raised concerns about toll-tax collections on three highways, where the tolls exceeded the road construction costs by three to four times.
Upadhyay scrutinised toll tax data from three plazas, highlighting instances such as Dewas, where the toll was initially Rs 4.26 billion but had already garnered Rs 13.42 billion. Similarly, the Jabra Naya Villa toll, initially set at Rs 4.25 billion, had accumulated Rs 20.69 billion. Expressing his skepticism, Upadhyay questioned the government's commitment to the people, especially when toll taxes are not only persistently collected but also increased annually by 10% to 15%.
Seeking clarification, Upadhyay inquired about the total amount collected and the duration of ongoing toll tax collections. He emphasised that the government should be dedicated to reducing costs and inflation for the public.
Minister Singh responded, acknowledging the complexities of contracts signed in 2005 for 15 years and varying Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modes. He explained the financial responsibilities of contractors, including the maintenance of roads for the stipulated period and repaying loans with interest.
Another Congress MLA, Dinesh Gurjar, pointed out discrepancies in toll tax practices, highlighting instances where tolls were increased every year and imposed on roads used by poor farmers and labourers in Morena constituency. Gurjar accused the toll stations of engaging in robbery.
Minister Singh addressed these concerns, noting that the toll station locations were determined before municipal corporation limits were established. He assured that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had been informed, a feasibility report was underway, and decisions would be made based on the findings to address the issues raised by the honourable members.
