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

02 May 2025

NHAI to Build 6-Lane Agra-Gwalior Expressway on BOT (Toll) Mode

To enhance connectivity between the tourism hubs of Agra and Gwalior, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop 88 km long 6-lane access controlled Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway (NH-719D). NHAI, today signed a concession agreement for the implementation of project with GR Infraprojects, in presence of NHAI Chairman, Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials of NHAI and the Concessionaire. The Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway will start from Deori village in Agra and terminate at Susera village in Gwalior. The project shall be developed at a Total Capital Cost of Rs 46.13 b..

Infrastructure Transport

02 May 2025

Cabinet Nods 166.8-km NH-6 Greenfield Corridor on HAM Mode

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Development, Maintenance and Management of 4-lane Greenfield Access Controlled 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode as an access controlled greenfield High-Speed Corridor at a total capital cost of Rs 228.64 billion. The project length of 166.80 km lies in Meghalaya (144.80 km) and Assam (22.00 km). The proposed Greenfield high-speed corridor will improve the service level ..

Infrastructure Urban

02 May 2025

Commercial Ops Begin at Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Nagpur

Under the PM Gati Shakti initiative of Prime Minister with the aim to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time, and under the guidance of Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, the Multi Modal Logistics Park, Nagpur (MMLP Nagpur) at Sindi, near Wardha commenced its commercial operations with a goal to establish a faster link. The MMLP Nagpur established by National Highway Logistics Management (NHLML), a 100 per cent own..

Congress MLA questions toll tax practices, alleges govt contractors

NHAI to Build 6-Lane Agra-Gwalior Expressway on BOT (Toll) Mode

Cabinet Nods 166.8-km NH-6 Greenfield Corridor on HAM Mode

Commercial Ops Begin at Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Nagpur

Latest Updates

Advertisement

Recommended for you

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address