RCCI opposes toll tax on new highway

RCCI said the number of vehicles using the road have decreased after the authorities began collecting toll tax on the highway. The government, which has constructed the highway at a cost of Rs 264.94 crore, has made it clear that it intends to collect toll tax for 20 years. Rs four crore has already been recovered from the highway users in the form of toll tax from July 17.

"Heavy vehicles coming from Kuwada, Wankaner-Than, Chotila and other places towards Ahmedabad have to pay the toll tax and we believe the rates charged are too high. We have made a representation to the government demanding that the toll tax be reduced so that the industry is not affected," said Haresh Vora, president, RCCI.

Vora said the government is already collecting cess on petrol and diesel for development of roads and it is not fair to collect such exorbitant toll tax also. RCCI said Rs 7-8 lakh is being recovered as tax per day from about 1,000 vehicles that use the highway.