Exemptions on 53 toll points to cost government Rs8.7k crore

For the 53 toll points in the state on which exemptions have been given to the motorists, it is likely to take a toll of the public exchequer of Rs8,798.79 crore by the year 2039-40. As per the data available, compensation is being paid to the toll collection private agencies to extend exemption to motorists. The payment is being done on an annual basis.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had announced exemption on 26 of its toll posts or 12 projects where light motor vehicles, state transport buses and school buses are exempted to pay toll tax.

For this, the organisation will be compensating the private agencies by paying a total of Rs1,421.35 crore during the next five years, that is between the financial years of 2015-16 to 2019-20.

Similarly, in case of tolled projects with the Public Works Department, the amount is much more at Rs7,377.44 crore. "PWD's 19 projects have a total of 27 toll naka for which the department is paying Rs179.69 crore to the contractor for the year 2015-16. Payment is to be made for 25 years till the fiscal year 2039-40," said Anil Galgali, RTI applicant who sought information under Right to Information Act.

"Instead of taking strong action on the people who are looting the public and government in the name of toll tax, the government is being very lenient towards them. Instead all the company's involved in the business of toll collection should have been audited," opined Galgali.