Why Are the Road Tolls Collected in India When the Government Pays from Our Taxes?

India faces a contentious and long-standing issue with road tolls. Despite the government's collection of substantial road taxes from its citizens, many expressways and national highways are now subject to tolls, leading to widespread grievances and questions about fairness and efficiency. Courts have failed to address the issue adequately, leaving commuters feeling burdened and unjustly treated.

Understanding the Issue:

Expressways in India serve a clear purpose. These roads are constructed separately with fixed entry and exit points, offering a choice to users. On the other hand, national highways that incorporate tolls present a different scenario. These roads widen existing lanes with little to no additional benefits, leaving drivers with a tough choice: either endure a delayed journey or pay a substantial amount.

Annual road taxes collected by the government amount to ?5,000 per individual. However, many individuals have to shell out an extra ?4,000 for tolls to save merely ?1,050 per year – an equivalent of 500 minutes saved. This paradoxical situation has left commuters feeling clueless and helpless. The non-toll roads that were meant to be funded by road taxes have been replaced with toll roads, leaving the public questioning the fairness of the current system.

The Hidden Costs:

The toll policy has a significant financial impact on individuals. Residents in small towns like Azamgarh pay an average of ?350 per month for a toll road that is just 10 kilometers away from the city center. This toll adds up to ?70 for every 10,000 kilometers traveled. In a town where the average commute is 15 kilometers, the toll can add up quickly:

For the first 10 kilometers: ?350 per month (?420 per year) For the remaining 5 kilometers (15 km total): ?70 per month (?840 per year)

Considering the cost of fuel, tolls for a single car ride can amount to ?1,524.50 per year, or ?600 for a one-way trip. This is a steep price to pay considering that the main purpose of tolls should be to save time on long journeys where the benefits are more evident.

Revenue Generation and Fairness:

Despite the criticisms, road tolls in India serve several important purposes that justify their implementation:

Revenue Generation

Tolls provide a direct source of revenue for the maintenance and operation of specific roads and highways. This ensures that funds are available for ongoing upkeep, repairs, and improvements, contributing to better road conditions and safety.

User Pays Principle

The user pays principle ensures that those who use a particular road contribute to its costs. This is seen as a fairer way to fund road infrastructure, as not all taxpayers use every road equally.

Maintenance and Upgrades

The revenue from tolls is often earmarked for specific roads, leading to better maintenance and upgrades. This targeted approach ensures that funds are used effectively to improve road conditions and user services.

Encouraging Efficient Use of Roads

Tolls can help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion on busy roads. By encouraging drivers to consider alternative routes or other modes of transportation, tolls contribute to a more efficient use of the road network.

Funding Specific Projects

Tolls can also be used to finance specific projects, such as the construction of new highways or bridges, which might otherwise not be funded through general tax revenue.

Private Investments

In some cases, toll roads are developed through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Tolls provide a return on investment for private entities involved in construction and maintenance, ensuring a sustainable financial model for these projects.

Conclusion:

While road taxes contribute significantly to overall road infrastructure funding, tolls offer a targeted mechanism for addressing specific needs. Despite the growing discontent, understanding the rationale behind tolls and their purpose can help mitigate the perceived unfairness.

Commuters must weigh the benefits of toll roads against the financial burden. As the government and regulatory bodies continue to address the grievances of the public, the role of tolls in the Indian road infrastructure will remain critical.