+
Congress MLA questions toll tax practices, alleges govt contractors
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Congress MLA questions toll tax practices, alleges govt contractors

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.

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.

Next Story
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?