The opposition on Monday alleged in the Maharashtra legislative assembly that there was a massive corruption in the toll collection at roads in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts, and demanded a statement from the chief minister, apart from appointment of a probe committee. Davendra Phadanvis (BJP) alleged during the question hour that there was a corruption to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore in the collection at toll-nakas (posts) by private contractors in Mumbai, Thane and Raigd.
As the opposition MLAs entered the well and disrupted the proceedings, Speaker Dilip Valse-Patil adjourned the house for the rest of the question hour when 28 minutes were left. The opposition had not been satisfied with the reply of PWD (public sector undertakings) minister Jaidutta Kshirsagar.
The Leader of Opposition, Eknath Khadse (BJP) said the corruption figure could run into Rs 10,000 crore, and demanded a probe by a high-power committee and a statement from the chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan (who was present).
The speaker however said the opposition MLAs could not insist on a statement from the chief minister. This led to a noisy protest and the opposition MLAs trooped into the well of the house. Earlier, replying to the question from Prakash Bhoir and others, Kshirsagar said Rs 1,095.89 crore had been recovered as toll from Mumbai-Pune expressway till May 31, against the project cost of Rs 2,123 crore. The toll collection period was up to April 30, 2030.
Around Rs 1,205.77 crore in toll were collected against the project cost of Rs 1,242.52 crore from Mumbai entrance fly-over; contract period is up to September 30, 2027. Bhiwandi-Kalyan bypass toll collection was Rs 40.77 crore with the contract period due to end on April 24, 2013.
The cost of the project was Rs 127.334 crores. Kshirsagar further informed that Rs 141.31 crore (project cost Rs 246.24 crore) had been recovered from Thane-Ghodbandar road toll, Rs 34.73 crore at Dharamtar creek, Rs 277.44 crore from Thane-Bhiwandi diversion and Rs 86.71 crore from Patalganga river bridge.
