Congress MLA questions toll tax practices, alleges govt contractors

19 Feb 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Sep 2025

Cabinet Approves Key Highway and Rail Projects in Bihar Region

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the four-laning of the 84.2-km Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed corridor, a key industrial region in poll-bound Bihar. The Cabinet also sanctioned the doubling of the 177-km Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line, which passes through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, at a cost of Rs 31.7 billion.The Rs 44.5 billion highway project will be constructed under the hybrid annuity model, a variant of public-private partnership. The Mokama-Munger stretch was the only remaining two-lane section of the 363-km Buxar-Bhagalpur corridor. Fou..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Sep 2025

NGT Issues Notice on Bengaluru Twin Tunnel Project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday issued notices in response to a petition filed by Bengaluru Praja Vedike and others, challenging the Bengaluru twin tunnel road project. Petitioners claim the project was “hastily announced” and bypassed mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures.Notices have been served to the Karnataka Government, Greater Bengaluru Authority, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE), the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and project consultants.The 16.74-km twin-tube..

Real Estate

15 Sep 2025

India’s Residential Sales to Dip Slightly in FY26

Residential sales in India’s seven major cities are projected to decline by up to 3 per cent year-on-year in FY26 to 620–640 million square feet (msf), amid a moderation in sales velocity, according to ratings agency Icra.In FY25, sales stood at 643 msf, down 8 per cent YoY, following a sharp contraction in new launches and moderated demand in the affordable and mid-income segments. This slowdown came after the sector posted a robust compound annual growth rate of 26 per cent in area sales between FY22 and FY24.Icra noted: “Having seen a strong upcycle, the sector entered an equilibrium ..