Bengal: Bus owners oppose NHAI’s toll tax hike, writes to state govt on increasing fares

The revised toll will affect both light and heavy vehicles, with a 5 per cent hike for light vehicles and a 10 per cent increase for heavy vehicles. At present, the toll tax stands at Rs 2.19 per km.

“In many districts of the state, a bus has to pay a toll of up to Rs 500, Rs 700, or even Rs 2,100 a day when travelling from north Bengal to south Bengal. How much money can be earned if this amount of toll is paid by bus owners?” Bandopadhyay asked.

The bus owners’ outfit also criticised the state government’s stance on bus fares, pointing out that despite rising costs, including increases in diesel prices and parts like tyres and insurance, the state government has not allowed for a corresponding hike in bus fares.

“The central government will increase the price of diesel as per its own, but the state government will not increase the bus fare. Is this fare enough?” he said.

Private bus owners are struggling with a variety of rising operational costs, including insurance, parts, toll taxes, and fines imposed by the police. As a result, the number of buses on the road has been steadily declining.

“From insurance to all spare parts, the price has increased as desired. On top of this, the police impose fines. Due to this, the number of buses in the state has been decreasing daily for several years,” Bandopadhyay added.

The bus syndicates are also pointing to the increasing competition from illegal toto (auto-rickshaw) services, which they claim are taking away passengers.

“Public transport like buses is about to be withdrawn due to illegal toto in every district. Despite repeated requests to the administrative department, there has been no result,” Bandopadhyay noted.

With the toll hikes set to impact 15,000 private buses in the state, the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates is urging the Transport Department to reconsider the increase. They are demanding that the added toll costs be reflected in the ticket fares, warning that without such a revision, bus services may become unsustainable in the near future. “The cost of a bus in the district is much higher than that of a normal bus. Bus body, insurance, tax, tyre, toll, etc. The Transport Minister must take the right decision on this matter immediately,” Bandopadhyay urged.
The toll hike is set to affect all 52 NHs in West Bengal, with only one toll plaza in the city.

Additionally, for people living within 20 km of the tolls, a 10% hike in monthly passes will also be implemented.