Is There a Proposal to Exempt LMVs from Toll Payments in Rajasthan?
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Jaipur, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Minister for Public Works, Diya Kumari, informed the state Assembly that individuals residing within a 20-km vicinity of state-operated toll plazas can avail themselves of concessional monthly toll passes.
She emphasized on Thursday that there is currently no initiative being considered to exempt light motor vehicles (LMVs) from toll fees throughout the state.
In response to supplementary inquiries from MLA Vikram Bansiwal during the Question Hour, Deputy CM Diya Kumari stated that toll collection is active on 83 state roads, in addition to national highways.
Of these, 27 toll roads are overseen by the Rajasthan State Highway Authority, 39 by the Rajasthan State Road Development Corporation (RSRDC), 13 by the Rajasthan Infrastructure Development Corporation (RIDC), and 4 by the Public Works Department (PWD).
She noted that the monthly pass system has been implemented to ease the financial strain on local commuters who frequently use toll plazas for daily responsibilities, education, and other vital activities.
The concessional passes aim to lessen the economic burden on residents living near toll routes, she added.
Previously, in a written statement to the state Assembly, the Deputy Chief Minister indicated that a state government notification dated May 14, 2018, had exempted private non-transport vehicles from toll fees on state highways.
However, this exemption was revoked on October 31, 2019, following a policy decision by the state government at that time.
During the prior administration led by Vasundhara Raje of the BJP, private light vehicles were exempt from tolls on state highways, but this decision was later overturned by the succeeding Ashok Gehlot administration, reinstating toll collection on these vehicles.
Diya Kumari reiterated that toll revenue is a crucial source for the upkeep and enhancement of road infrastructure, and any policy decisions concerning exemptions are made after evaluating financial and administrative considerations.
She added that the state government is continuously reviewing toll policies to find a balance between infrastructure development needs and public convenience.