Maharashtra to close 44 toll-collection plazas

Will soon bring changed policy

The 44 plazas were on roads developed by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation on a build-operate-transfer basis. The closure will lead to a yearly burden of Rs 360 crore.

The announcement was by Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the legislative Assembly, during his reply to the debate on the additional Budget for 2014-15.

Pawar’s announcement coincided with the all-party agitation launched in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra from Monday, against toll collection. The Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had said they would step up their agitation in the run-up to the Assembly elections in September-October.

In February, after a violent agitation by MNS, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had declared the government was in the midst of formulation of a new policy that would focus on transparency. Chavan and public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal had said the government was mulling the closure of some plazas.

The new policy will be announced during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature.

Under it, electronic surveillance will be made mandatory to record traffic. The government will make it mandatory for toll operators to provide amenities including toilets. The government also proposes the audit of disputed booths.