Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 1: Those who were worried about the prospect of having to shell out more money on account of proposed hike in toll charges on state highways from the first day of the new financial year can relax for the present. The rate will stay at the present level for the time being.

It is learnt that as per the period mentioned in the agreement, proposals for the upward revision of toll charges on certain highways have been sent for consideration. The PWD department is scrutinizing these proposals and a decision has not been taken. Letters have been addressed to the concerns who have submitted these proposals seeking clarification. Once they are received, they will be scrutinized and the revised request will be placed before the government for approval.

As fixing of toll charges falls within the ambit of the government's policy decisions, it is entirely done at the government's discretion. The officials said that there are chances of a few toll charges going down.

As many as 31 state highways have been converted into toll toads. Twenty-one among them are under the control of the PWD which manages and maintains them. Nineteen roads developed by Karnataka Road Development Corporation and K-Ship are toll roads. The agreement in some of these roads have expired, and the concerned have sought revision of charges. Toll collection for some of the roads have been given on contract while the department manages toll collection in the other cases, sources stated.