(a) the percentage of the total highways of the country handed over to the private sector for collection of toll tax presently;
(b) whether the private companies who are responsible for managing such highways do not provide services/facilities to the common man as per the prescribed guidelines;
(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(d) whether the Government has taken any steps to address the problems being faced by the road users in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a): This Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National
Highways (NHs) only. All other highways fall under the purview of the respective State
Governments / Union Territories. About 5.5% length of NHs in the country have been handed over
to the private sector for collection of toll tax as on 31-7-2010.
(b) to (e): No, Sir. The services / facilities to the common man have been provided by the
private companies (concessionaires) as per the conditions of concession agreement. The problems
faced by the road users are addressed through the provisions of the concession agreement. Apart
from this, inspections / field visits from the Headquarters are conducted from time to time to
ensure compliance to the terms of the concession agreement.