Minister rules out abolition of toll at Mumbai's entry points
A government decision is expected after the finance department gives its opinion, Mr Patil said.
Nagpur: Maharashtra’s Public Works Department (PWD) minister Chandrakant Patil on Friday ruled out the complete abolition of toll tax at all the entry points in Mumbai. “It is very difficult, and no decision has been taken by the state government on the issue,” he stated.
While replying in state Legislative Assembly on Friday, Mr Patil said the state government has stopped toll taxes on 53 smaller vehicles and has refunded Rs 400 crores to the toll collection companies. He added that if the state government decides to waive off toll tax at Mumbai entry points, it will have to shell out a huge amount.
The issue is pending with the finance department, and hence no decision has been taken to close down five toll tax posts in Mumbai, he informed the house.
A government decision is expected after the finance department gives its opinion, Mr Patil said.
Former revenue minister Eknath Khadse tried to corner the government and sought explanation on why the government had previously declared Maharashtra toll free. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member Ajit Pawar backed Mr Khadse, asking why the roads were in bad condition where toll tax has been discontinued.
Mr Pawar also asked “what is the fate of ‘Toll-Free Maharashtra’ announcement”.
Mr Patil replying to a question said that the PWD was laying 10,000 km a hybrid annuity which will be toll-free.