Panel disapproves bridge toll

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism has disapproved the perpetuation of the bridge toll charged from vehicles using the road bridges.

Noting that the new regime of collection of toll in perpetuity is not fair, the committee has recommended rolling back to the earlier practice of realising toll until cost of construction of a bridge plus interest incurred on it were made up.

``The earlier practice of collection of toll be restored and once the cost of construction of a bridge plus interest is recovered, the collection of toll be stopped'', the committee told the Ministry of Surface Transport in its 43rd report presented to Parliament.

When the issue had come up for discussion, the committee wanted to know as to how long the collection of toll in respect of any road project would continue. It was informed by the Secretary of the Ministry that till two years ago, the system was that once the cost of construction of a bridge plus interest were collected, the toll was stopped.

The year before last onwards, the Secretary had further informed the collection to be in perpetuity. Therefore, once the collection of toll was started, it would continue for ever. He also said that the amount so collected would be used to form part of the Dedicated Road Fund but the committee members found it unfair.

In relation to the provision of Rs. 1,000 crores per year for the State road projects, the committee was of the view that allocation of funds should not solely be based on the criterion of consumption of petrol and diesel.

It has therefore favoured allocations to the States be also linked to the extent of utilisation of funds in the previous years. Emphasising the need for completion of necessary formalities expeditiously, the committee said it was important that the funds were made available to the States as early as possible for utilisation on their road projects.

Expressing concern over low level of achievement in physical targets in respect of projects of widening of highways into two- lane and strengthening of weak two-lane highways, the committee gave vent to its apprehensions that this shortfall in achievement could lead to cost overrun and increase the burden on the exchequer which was already short of funds.

It made no secret of its dissatisfaction with the reasons and the problems of land acquisition, shifting of utilities, contractual labour, foundation and construction being repeated for years together and said that ``it appears that no thought has been given to overcome these recurring problems.''

However while taking note of the steps taken by the Ministry to overcome the obstacles causing frequent delays in achieving the targets in development of National Highways projects, it hoped that the amendment of National Highways Act and improved project preparations would definitely minimise the problems while implementing the projects.

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Section  : National
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