Debate over collection of toll tax on Rohini road........ GTA issued notification that collection of toll tax will be implemented from 1 Dec

SNS, 25 Nov 2013, Kurseong: Even before the implementation of the levy and collection of toll tax on Rohini Road has started, which is reportedly to begin from 1 December onwards, its viability ~ mainly the price quote that has been stipulated by the GTA ~ has become a raging debate.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), on Sunday issued a public notification that from 1 December collection of toll tax will be implemented from the vehicles plying through Rohini road. The toll rates have also been made public.

Meanwhile, a mixed response has been revealed in the Hills on the matter. Some sections of people are against the toll, while some appreciate the move. Besides, most of the people are saying that the toll rate is too high and it should be minimised.

As per reports, the toll tax to be levied has been made according to the light and heavy vehicle category.

While motorbikes will be charged Rs 10 for a one-way ride, taxis other than luxury cars will be levied Rs 30. Private small vehicles will have to shell out Rs 40, luxury vehicles (Taxi / Private), mini buses, pick up Vans Rs 100 and trucks Rs 150 each respectively for one-way use of the road.

A resident of Kurseong said that where almost all roads in Darjeeling Hills need immediate repair, the lone Rohini Road which has been beautified and constructed at par National Highway standard is the only good road in the Hills presently.

"Instead of letting the people enjoy and use the road, the GTA authorities have now decided to raise toll taxes even if the road runs for only a several miles which is unjustified. We had thought that after the GTA was given to us a lot of things would be done for us but it has now become a burden for us instead," he said.

The Darjeeling Truck Driver Association, general secretary, Mr Rajen Chettri, said that we do not agree with the rates of the toll taxes for which we will hold an immediate meeting with both our members and owners. From our association alone, trucks numbering up to 500 use the Rohini Road and to pay Rs 300 as toll tax for a up and down ride everyday is a heavy burden to accept. In the end, the worst sufferers would finally be the public. While most section of the public are against the high rates of toll tax to be levied from the vehicles using the section of Rohini Road but they are not against it altogether as they believe the taxes collected if used honestly and go a long way in maintaining it year after year.

Their only grievances are that the rates should have been kept at a minimum of Rs 5 to Rs 10 as the number of vehicles criss-crossing the road runs into thousands everyday which itself would raise a lot of money.

An official from GTA Kurseong Engineering Division said that people should pay toll taxes as it is required for proper yearly minor maintenance of the Rohini Road throughout the year but if any major disruptance of the road happens than the government is there to fund such repairs.

"On top of it, the Rohini Road reconstruction agency has also guaranteed the roads longevity to seven years and if any minor maintenance is required within the stipulated period than the agency will use the money collected through toll taxes. Hence, it is for the benefit of the travelling public as well," he said.

Notably, Rohini road had been recently re-designed and re-constructed at a cost of more than Rs 15 crore. Presently, it is the only road in Darjeeling Hills that gives a smooth ride to its users from its start at Zero Point to its end near Simulbarie.