In the name of the ‘development’ of roads, the state government is reportedly charging a 10% premium along with toll tax.

According to reports, toll tax on Ahmedabad-Viramgam-Maliya and Halol-Godhra-Shamlaji roads is increasing significantly.

The concession agreement made for the expansion of the Shamlaji road now includes a 10% premium to be charged for every vehicle.

As the toll prices spike, transportation costs incurred in a business have increased, further increasing the price of a particular product.

The transport agencies have recently written a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel regarding the extra premium charged on toll tax.

The premium has been increasing by 1% every year as the roads turn six-lane from four-lane. In addition to 10% of the total toll revenue collected in the previous year, a 1% annual increase is being charged.

Based on the income generated in the previous year, a premium of 10.21% in the first year and a premium of 11.21% is being charged for the second and the third year.

Despite the state government’s zero investments in the road, a total of 15% share of income goes to the state.

Notably, in Gujarat, there are approximately 17 or more such roads on which the state government is collecting a premium on toll.

The premium is determined based on the number of passenger vehicles passing through the road. If a car, taxi, or pickup van passes through it, it is counted as one vehicle. 

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Gujarat collected ₹4800 cr in toll taxes, but citizens forced to endure potholed roads