Public made to pay inflated Toll Tax: MCD opposition

The Opposition of MCD on Monday alleged that contractors managing toll-booths were charging the public more than the tax prescribed by the civic body. Congress leader Jai Kishan Sharma said instead of charging R25 for commercial taxis, contractors were charging R35. HT reports.

The Opposition of MCD on Monday alleged that contractors managing toll-booths were charging the public more than the tax prescribed by the civic body. Congress leader Jai Kishan Sharma said instead of charging R25 for commercial taxis, contractors were charging R35.

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Sharma accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led executive body of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi of being an ally in the fraud, as overcharging could not happen without the knowledge of MCD officials.

Following the allegations, MCD commissioner KS Mehra said he will form a committee to look into the matter. Sharma alleged that the MCD House approved new toll tariff through a proposal in February 2008. However, since May 2008 nearly 20% more toll tax was being collected from each category vehicle.

According to Sharma, in February 2008, R25 was fixed for taxi, tempo and Tata 407. “For bus, truck and canters, it was R50. For six-wheel vehicle, the charges were R100 and for 10-wheel ones, it was R200. It was R500 for 14-wheel vehicles. But since May 2008, the concessionaire has been getting toll tax at enhanced rate,” he said.

Yogender Chandolia, BJP leader and head of MCD standing committee, however, defended the executive wing. He said Sharma was quoting rates that were fixed many years ago. “There is a provision under which the contractors can charge R35 for vehicles which was approved by MCD. I don’t know why Jai Kishan Sharma is making such an issue out of it,” Chandolia said.