)
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said the policy of road toll collection will be changed.
The toll collection will only start after 100% completion of the project instead of 75% completion, as being implemented currently.
The toll collection will also stop after the cost of the project is recovered.
He said that toll collection was less than expected due to slowdown of the economy. The revenue share of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is about Rs 6,000 crore and is expected Rs 8,000 crore after recovery of the economy.
The minister also said that he held discussions with financial institutions as they do not want to fund road projects as there are huge NPAs in the sector. The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss the issue with financial institutions to restore their confidence to fund road projects.
In reply to another question, Gadkari said that his ministry has allocated Rs 15,000 crore for the North Eastern region for setting up of roads. The quality of roads could also be improved as the ministry is looking into prospect of making cement roads.
