Mumbai: Toll tax at all five entry-exit points to be hiked from Oct 2
With effect from October 2, 2014, the toll tax at all five entry-exit points of Mumbai will be hiked by up to nearly 20 percent. The move will likely harm the Congress and the NCP in the assembly polls.
With regard to the imminent increase in toll rates, officials have revealed that the revised toll tax will be applicable on cars, SUVs, minibuses and heavy vehicles; while two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws will be exempted from the tax.
Despite the fact that the officials have asserted that the move to increase toll tax rates is in line with a 2002-framed government policy under which toll rates have to be revised after every three years, it is being speculated that the move – coming in an election year – will possibly have an effect on the assembly polls.
In a statement made in reference to the increase in toll tax rates with effect from October 2, SM Ramchandani – joint managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation – said: “Rates at the five entry-exit points have been revised every three years since 2002 as per government policy.”
The toll tax from all the five entry-exit points of Mumbai is collected by a private contractor, Mumbai Entry Points Ltd (MEPL). The tax collected goes towards recovering the construction and maintenance costs of 27 flyovers in the city.
Source – The Times of India
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