The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Toll collection may be introduced on some State highways

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 11, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Toll collection may be introduced on some State highways

Special Correspondent

This is in view of the increase in the volume of traffic: Revanna

H.D. Revanna

BANGALORE: Following the increase in the volume of traffic on State highways, the Government is thinking of introducing toll collection on some of them.

Minister for Public Works H.D. Revanna told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Government was planning to install tollgates on some of the State highways, which would enable it to mobilise resources for maintenance and management of roads. So far, only the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials have been collecting toll from road users on national highways. The State has about 4,000 km of national highways.

Mr. Revanna held a meeting with officials of the Public Works Department and Transport and Karnataka Road Development Limited (KRDL) and decided to constitute a committee headed by the Transport Commissioner to study the proposal of introducing toll collection on State highways. Daily, over 6,000 heavy vehicles use the State highway stretch of Chikkanayanahalli-Tiptur-Hassan, which caused damage to the road. A bridge at Hosanagar in Shimoga collapsed recently following the movement of heavy vehicles. As a pilot project, the Public Works Department was considering introducing toll collection on the Chikkanayanahalli-Tiptur-Hassan road, he said.

The panel, which comprised officials of the Transport, Public Works and Police departments and the KRDL, would study the locations for installation tollgates on State highways. The committee was asked to submit a report before January 22, Mr. Revanna said.

The Public Works Department has set up a committee to recommend steps to check overloading of vehicles on State highways.

A decision has been taken to set up another committee to assess the implementation of Land and Traffic Act. Secretary of the Public Works Department heads the two committees. The Committee on Land and Traffic Act would submit a report on road safety, protection of property on State highways, and maintenance and management of highways, Mr. Revanna said.

The department has sent a proposal to the Union Government seeking enhancement of maintenance cost of national highways from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1 lakh per km of road, the Minister said.

Power

About a proposal on the authorities resorting to loadshedding, Mr. Revanna, who also holds the Energy portfolio, said a two-day meeting (from January 16) of the five power supply companies has been called to decide the future course of action.

A Cabinet subcommittee headed by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has been constituted for an in-depth study of the power situation. The department was waiting for suggestions on the issue from the committee, he said.

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