Question : Toll Charges

(a) whether the Government proposes to reduce the toll charges imposed in various toll booths considering the financial crisis of citizens due to Covid-19 pandemic and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to revise the list of exempted categories from paying the toll charges and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to suspend the collection of toll charge at Kollam Bypass and Kovalam considering the non-completion of the road and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Union Government has received request from the State of Kerala to exempt Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from paying toll charges and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
(e) whether the Government proposes to consider the request of State owned public transport system for exemption of toll to promote the public transport system; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) No, Sir. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been collecting user fee at Kollam Bypass and Thiruvallam fee plazas in accordance with National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 as amended from time to time.
(d) Yes, Sir. Requests have been received to exempt Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and to give concession in user fee rates to reduce its operational expenses.
In view of extant National Highways Fee policy, all such requests have not been accepted by the Government of India.
(e) No, Sir.
(f) Does not arise.
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