(a) whether the Government is aware that commuters are being taxed twice viz. road tax and toll tax;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with the steps taken to rationalize the system;
(c) whether there is a provision to increase toll tax every year; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)
(a) & (b) No, Madam. Road tax is a State subject and levied and collected by respective State Government. User fee is to be paid for use of Section of National Highways/Permanent Bridge/Temporary Bridge on National Highways.
(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) As per National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 as amended user fee is to be revised annually. The rates of fee are increased without compounding by 3% each year from the 1st day of April. Additionally to neutralize impact of variable cost of operation and maintenance, 40% of annual increase of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is provided.
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