Bangalore: Govt plans to set up e-tolling on highways

 

Bangalore, 21 Nov 2013, (DHNS): Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Oscar Fernandes on Wednesday announced plans to introduce electronic tolling (e-tolling) at toll gates along highways which will considerably reduce the long time being spent by motorists to pay the toll charges.

 

“We are stepping into electronic tolling which sees to it that we don’t have to spend time at the toll gate for hours together,” Fernandes told delegates after inaugurating the construction equipment and technology exhibition EXCON 2013, adding, “We have got the latest technology wherein through a mobile phone you can pay your toll... It is under trial... As you approach the tolling station from around a kilometer away, you will be able to establish contact with the gate, which will become open for you.”

 

He added that the project is under testing and is likely to be implemented within the next three months.

 

Talking about the Bangalore International Airport expressway, Fernandes said, “It should be completed by January 26 next year,” adding that his ministry has planned to fast-track few expressway projects for the benefit of industries.

 

“We have to complete the projects that we were scheduled to finish. The Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is going to be speeded up, the Eastern and Western peripheral expressways... we are going to take up the Delhi-Jaipur expressway as well,” Fernandes said, adding that they will provide enough opportunity for industries to grow alongside.

 

Stating that public-private-partnership (PPP) projects are long-term, as they must maintain and recover the money spent on them, he said, “The Government of India has taken a decision that if any concessioner wants to exit after the completion of the project, we will be permitting that, with the consent of the financier that is the bank and the NHAI.”

 

He said, “I assure you that I will take the initiative, bring Members of Parliament together and take up the matter with the Karnataka CM.”