The financial burden on users of national highways is likely to come down soon. A negative feedback from the commuters has forced the ministry of road transport & highways to propose changes in the existing rules for tolling of two-lane highways.
Under the existing National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008, if the total investment on upgradation of a two-lane highway is more than Rs 1 crore per km, the concessionaire is authorised to charge 60% of the maximum rate applicable for four-lane roads as toll fee. The 2008 rules prescribe a base rate of 0.65-4.2 to arrive at the chargeable toll for different vehicles on the four-lane road.
The ministry has now proposed different slabs for tolling on two-lane highways as against a single rate at present. The rates have been based on the total investment required to build such roads.
In the draft rules, 60% rate is applicable only on roads that require investment of more than Rs 3.5 crore. In case the road involves an outlay ranging between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2.5 crore, the proposed rate is 30%. If a road is to be developed at an expenditure of Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3.5 crore, the rate increases to 50% of what is applicable to a four-lane road.
?The fee rules 2008 were implemented on some sections of the national highway where toll fee commenced from March 2009. There has been an adverse public reaction on these sections. One of the grounds for the negative feedback is that the rates are too high for daily users. Now, we have decided to bring in some alterations in the existing rules to address this problem,? a senior official in the ministry told FE.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which has to evaluate whether a two-lane road can be tolled or not, says the proposed changes will have different ramifications than the existing rules. ?It may effect the investments in the road sector. However, the proposal is being discussed with the finance ministry and Planning Commission and the final decision has to be taken by the Cabinet,? a senior NHAI official said.
The industry feels the amendment will bring more clarity on tolling. ?It is a reasonable move from the ministry and will definitely bring down cost of using highways. The proposal will also help the concessionaire as separate rates are proposed for different investments. Earlier, single rate was being charged,? a top official of Gammon India said.