'Divyangjan' exempted from paying toll charges: Gadkari

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the vehicles owned by the “divyangjan” (persons with disabilities) are allowed for a free ride across national highway network.

The government already issued a notification exempting them from paying toll charges, Gadkari informed Lok Sabha during question hour.

Till now only the vehicles specially designed for the use by such persons were exempted from paying toll tax in India. This was limited to only for the vehicles modified for the use by a PwD and such vehicles were defined as “invalid carriage” in the Central Motor Vehicle Act.

On giving exemption in road tax to a vehicle owned by “divyangjan," the Minister said that it came under the state ambit and they have to take decision. However 11 states have agreed to give exemption in road tax.