The demand for toll-free state highways resonated in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday. BJP MLA Bahadur Singh Koli raised the issue through a notice, calling for the immediate removal of toll plazas across the state, while terming the current tolling system as a 'disease' for the common man, the legislator urged the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister to reconsider the existing policy to provide financial relief to commuters and farmers.
Tolls Termed as a Public Burden
During the session, MLA Bahadur Singh Koli highlighted the historical context of toll policies in Rajasthan. He noted that the previous Vasundhara Raje-led government had exempted state highways from tolls to ease the financial burden on the public. However, he alleged that the subsequent Congress administration reinstated the tolls. Koli argued that the reintroduction of these charges has Notably increased the cost of travel and transportation of goods within the state.
Concerns Over Toll Plaza Density
The MLA cited specific examples from his constituency, Weir, to illustrate the challenges faced by locals. He pointed out that the Ikrampur toll plaza is situated in close proximity to other plazas like Bhusawar and Chhokarwara, all within a radius of approximately 3 to 4 kilometers. According to Koli, such a high density of toll collection points in a limited area is detrimental to the local economy and places an unfair burden on residents who travel short distances frequently.
Call for a Statewide Policy Shift
Addressing the PWD Minister, the BJP legislator emphasized that the issue of excessive tolling isn't confined to a single constituency but is a statewide concern. He requested the government to adopt a comprehensive policy to make all state highways in Rajasthan toll-free once again. He suggested that reverting to the previous policy of toll waivers would be a significant step toward reducing inflation and improving the ease of travel for the rural population.
Analysis of Economic Implications
According to political analysts, the demand raised by a ruling party MLA puts the spotlight on the government's infrastructure funding model, while while abolishing tolls would provide immediate relief to the public, experts suggest it would require the state to find alternative revenue sources for the maintenance and repair of state highways. The PWD ministry is expected to review the feasibility of this demand, considering both public sentiment and the fiscal health of the state's road development funds.