Government set up committee to scrap toll in Kolhapur

The toll collection in Kolhapur by IRB for the ongoing road works has led to a massive political protest.

The state government on Wednesday set up a committee lead by Minister for Public Works Department (MSRDC) Eknath Shinde to take a decision to scrap the ongoing toll collection in Kolhapur. The toll collection in Kolhapur by IRB for the ongoing road works has led to a massive political protest with leaders demanding its scrapping immediately.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting to discuss the matter as to how much funds the government would have to repay to the private players with whom they had entered into a contract for the road works. The total road contract which is still underway works to Rs 220 crore.

However, the chief minister urged the committee to ascertain if they scrap the road toll collection, how much penalty it would attract for
discontinuing the contract with private players. And how it intends to raise the funds. And what alternative mode it can apply in place to
toll tax.

During the assembly elections campaign the BJP had promised to get rid of toll taxes across Maharashtra. Chief minister said the government is committed to its assurance and would look at all the aspects in the matter.

Kolhapur city in western Maharashtra had become the epicenter of toll agitation. Earlier, Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS had taken to streets
against the toll collection. Even the members of the ruling Congress and NCP often complained about excess toll taxes in some parts of the
state.

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