Date:24/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/24/stories/2007052404361100.htm

Back Opinions vary on Vivekananda Bridge toll tax payment issue

Somasroy Chakraborty

`Existing toll rates will not be altered'

Kolkata May 23 Second Vivekananda Bridge Tollway Company Private Ltd (SVBTC) plans to invite the Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators' Association (FWBTOA) to discuss issues relating to payment of toll tax on Second Vivekananda Bridge, according to Dr Ravindra Verma, Managing Director, SVBTC.

"We wish to invite this federation as well as any other company or association to discuss their concerns and issues," Dr Verma told Business Line, adding that under "no circumstances would the existing toll rates be altered."

Earlier, the federation had criticised the "high rate of toll tax" on Second Vivekananda Bridge and the State Government's decision to restrict the movement of goods vehicle on the old Vivekananda Bridge.

Rates

The toll rates for the Second Vivekananda Bridge have been fixed at Rs 25 for cars, Rs 50 for buses, Rs 70 for light commercial vehicles (LCV), Rs 120 for heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) and Rs 140 for multi-axle vehicles (MAV). "Our main demands are: the tollway company should reduce the high rate of toll tax, and complete the Dunlop flyover and Belgharia Expressway. We cannot accept the restriction of movement of goods vehicle on the old Vivekananda Bridge," Mr Satyajit Majumder, General Secretary, FWBTOA said in a statement.

According to Mr K.K. Roy, Chief Executive Officer, SVBTC, the toll rates were fixed by the Union Government and National Highways Authority of India and SVBTC had "no right" to alter the rates. On the restriction of movement of goods vehicle, Mr Roy said, "the (Kolkata) Port Trust has said the old bridge (constructed in 1932) is no longer capable of handling heavy vehicles."

In January 2007, SVBTC had appointed UK-based traffic consultancy firm, Halcrow, to review the situation. According to Halcrow's survey report, the existing toll rates (on LCV, HCV and MAV) was accepted by 75-85 per cent of the people, mostly truck owners, operators and drivers.

The Second Vivekananda Bridge, an Rs 1,000 crore project, is expected to open in June this year.