Maharashtra considering exemption to non-commercial four-wheelers from paying toll tax


* Takes up survey to assess number of non-commercial four-wheelers and commercial four-wheelers plying on different roads
Staff Reporter
The new Government is taking steps to keep its pre-poll promise of reducing the burden of toll-tax on small non-commercial four-wheelers. It is thinking over granting exemption to non-commercial four-wheelers including cars, from paying toll tax. For the purpose, it has taken up a survey to assess the number of commercial and non-commercial four-wheelers plying on different roads in the State.
Further, just ahead of the ongoing winter session of State Legislature, Public Works Department (PWD) constituted a committee of 11 officers and engineers to explore the possibility of closing down 121 toll tax collection booths in the State. However, according to PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil, if the Government decided to shut down all 121 toll tax collection booths in the State, it would mean a burden of Rs 30,000 crore on State exchequer. As this was not possible at one go, the Government would think of closing down the toll tax collection booths in a phased manner.
In this direction, the Government is giving a thought to closing down 40 toll booths in next couple of months. These toll booths are being identified on the basis of amount of contract. In case of such booths, the Government will bear the burden of paying to the contractor firm the amount that it intended to recover by way of collecting toll tax. Once the Government makes payment to contractor firm in such cases, the toll booths could be closed down. The Government is willing to bear the burden of up to Rs 200 crore.
A new policy on toll tax collection is being prepared. While doing so, the Government is exploring the possibility of not levying toll tax on roads involving cost up to Rs 200 crore and constructed through private partnership. The Government is also working out a mechanism to make the road toll collection more transparent, and ensure that contractors meet road maintenance and safety concerns. 

(13-12-14)

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