JOIN USToll to be levied on Raichur-Bachi route
The State Public Works Department has made all preparations to collect toll on a pilot basis on the 106-km stretch on the State highway between Raichur and Bachi, a village in Belgaum near Karnataka-Maharashtra boundary. The route connects Lingsagur, Hungundi, Bagalkot and Lokapur. “Two toll collection points will be opened on the route. We are planning to collect the toll from the last week of January or early February 2010,” PWD Chief Engineer (north zone) Hirematt said.
The State Cabinet approved in principle some time ago a proposal to levy toll on a State road for the first time but the decision was kept under wraps. The cabinet had also approved appointment of a consultant to prepare a report on converting a select routes developed under the K-Ship 1 project into a toll road. Raichur-Bachi route is one of the roads developed under the K-Ship 1 in the State.
As per the toll rate proposal, a copy of which is available with this paper, Rs 25 will be charged for cars and jeeps, Rs 38 for light motor vehicles, Rs 113 for bus and trucks (between 3 and 6 axle) and Rs 150 for heavy duty vehicles. Two-wheelers and three wheelers are exempted from toll payment. The toll rates are yet to cleared by the State Government.
The proposed toll rate is just 60 per cent of what National Highway Authority of India collects. At this rate, it is estimated to generate Rs 15.95 crore revenue per year.
A private firm will be appointed for toll collection and maintenance of road. “Raichur-Bachi route has over 10,000 passenger car per unit (PCU). Large number of trucks and lorries transporting mainly sugarcane and construction materials ply on this route.
Hence, it will be commercially viable for the firm to maintain the road. We are finalising the terms of reference for toll collection and road maintenance contract,” Hirematt said.
According to official sources, the Government has already directed all its zonal offices in the State to prepare proposals for toll collection on the same lines. Toll collection on important routes across the State may begin by the end of 2010.
Proposed toll
