In the state Legislative Council, Shinde said a committee has been formed to study the contracts signed with various toll-charging firms and provide some suggestions. "The committee, under the chairmanship of Sumit Malik, will submit its report by April end," he said.
The small vehicles owners will not get any immediate respite from toll taxes at five entry points of Mumbai and at Mumbai-Pune Expressway, as the decision to shut down these tolls or exempt small vehicles will be taken only after April 2016, clarified state public works department minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday.
In the state Legislative Council, Shinde said a committee has been formed to study the contracts signed with various toll-charging firms and provide some suggestions. "The committee, under the chairmanship of Sumit Malik, will submit its report by April end," he said.
Shinde added that the government was committed to make Maharashtra toll-free. "We have already shut down 53 toll plazas and exempted small vehicles at 12 plazas. Now there are some contracts made with the infrastructure firms that do not have the buyback and termination options. We cannot take this decision hurriedly. The committee will recommend the best possible option to the government," said Shinde.
Meanwhile, the Opposition demanded a completely toll-free Maharashtra. "BJP had promised to the people during the election, that after coming in power, they will make Maharashtra toll-free within six months. It has been almost 17 months now and there is no sign of relief," said Congress MLC Sharad Ranpise.
NCP MLC Vidya Chavan said, "Why are people burdened with toll taxes? The government has money for other things but not to give to common people."
Sources in the finance department said that the earlier decision of closing the small toll plazas had put a financial burden of Rs6,000 crore on the government. "We are losing our revenue and there are no other sources to increase it. If we exempt all vehicles, it will be a disastrous decision. Without funds, how we will develop the infrastructure?" the source asked, requesting anonymity.
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