No toll tax for cars, state buses on Gujarat highways from Aug 15

A day after Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani expressed "difficulty" in removing toll tax from August 15, the state government today exempted small passenger vehicles and state-run buses from paying the road levy on 12 state highways from Independence Day.

However, the passengers will have to pay the toll tax on eight national highways that pass through the state, being maintained by Central Government.

The decision to exempt cars and small vehicles from paying the toll tax from August 15 was announced by Rupani's predecessor Anandiben Patel, days before quitting as CM.

In his statement yesterday, Rupani said that it could be difficult to implement Anandiben's decision, which drew criticism from opposition parties and common people.

"We are committed to implement all the promises made by Patel (before she resigned). However, it will be a little difficult for us to remove toll tax from August 15. But, we are definitely working on this," Rupani had told reporters.

On the "apprehensions" expressed by Rupani over implementation of Anandiben's decision, AAP leader Ashutosh yesterday said the BJP government was favouring contractors and not the common men.

However, fearing an adverse reaction in the poll-bound state over non-implementation of the exemption decision, the BJP-led state government hurriedly announced today that they will implement Anandiben's decision.

"We have decided to abolish passenger toll tax from 12 state highways. This decision was taken in a meeting of Chief Minister and Finance ministry officials, in which state Chief Secretary was also present," Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.

"All small passenger vehicles like car, jeeps and three-wheelers like autorickshaws will be exempted from paying toll tax. Buses run by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) will also be exempted from paying toll taxes," he said.

Patel said the state exchequer will incur an additional burden of Rs 150 crore following the exemption.

"As per the estimate, 86,000 vehicles pass through these state highways daily, where 27 toll booths are located. The state government will bear the toll tax and it will not be collected from people.

"However, people will have to pay toll tax on eight national highways as they are controlled by the Central government," Patel said.

He added GSRTC will save Rs 20 crore per year as its buses will not have to pay the toll tax and "this benefit will be passed on to consumers".