New Delhi:
Before the new rules for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the government is thinking about using a “satellite-based toll tax” instead of regular toll booths.
With this system, drivers will only pay for the distance they travel.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, mentioned this in the Rajya Sabha meeting.
How will it work?
Under this new system, toll booths will be removed.
Instead, a picture of your vehicle’s license plate will be taken when you enter and exit the road.
Then, the toll amount for the distance you traveled will be deducted from your bank account.
In response to another question, Gadkari said that the government collects about Rs 49,000 crore from toll booths every day.
He also mentioned that almost all drivers are using the Fast Tag system, with over 8 crore Fast Tags issued.
This system collects around Rs 170 to 200 crore in tolls each day.
Information about BOT projects
When Gadkari became the Transport Minister, there were 406 projects worth Rs 3.85 lakh crore that were not moving forward, and banks had loans of Rs 3 lakh crore stuck in them.
However, by cancelling some projects and finding solutions, they were able to save the banks from losing that money.
‘Build, Operate and Deliver’ (BOT) projects involve partnerships between the government and private companies.
Gadkari mentioned a new express highway being built from Pune to Aurangabad using this model. The BOT operator will invest in building and operating the highway.
Improving roads for religious tourism
Gadkari highlighted efforts to improve roads for religious tourism.
Major projects include the Buddha Circuit, the Ayodhya Circuit, and connecting the five Takhts in Sikhism.
Additionally, there are plans for a ropeway to Hemkund Sahib due to the difficulty of building roads in Himachal Pradesh.
