In Tamil Nadu, essential commodities prices would be increasing!!
Posted on: 01/Sep/2021 9:26:42 AM
At the 20 toll plazas in the state of Tamil Nadu, there is now an increase in the toll rates. This would have a definite impact on the essential items. It is now said that the prices of vegetables, fruits and other essential commodities would be increasing soon by 3% to 5%.
As per the sources, the user fee would be increased by Rs 5 to Rs 60 per trip from 1st September depending on the type of the vehicle. Traders and lorry owners want the TN government to interfere in bringing transparency in the toll amount collection. Based on the wholesale price index, the road builders are authorised to increase the user fee annually and this was as per NHAI.
In proportionate to the increase in the cost of logistics, the price of the essential commodities would also be increased. This was mentioned by Mr Vikram Raja, president of Federation of TN Traders Association. He threw light on how the additional expenses incurred by the lorries would be transferred to the customers. From 2nd September, the prices of essential commodities would shoot up. He concluded that the TN government must take steps to close down the 24 toll gates on the national highways as they continue to collect the toll amount even after the expiry of their contracts.
It is worthy to mention that apart from the toll amount that is collected at various toll gates the commercial vehicles are charged road tax of Rs 1000 to Rs 45000 per month plus the road and infrastructure development cess also.
It was mentioned by Mr. A. Anbalagan, general secretary, All Omni Bus Owners and Operation Association that a sleeper bus pays a toll fee of Ra 1960 for a single trip from Chennai to Madurai. He added that the sleeper bus also pays road tax amount of Rs 1500 per day or Rs 45000 per month plus cess amount on diesel purchase etc. He spoke about how the taxes and other charges that are collected for road buildings should be merged and the motorists should be charged only once for the distance covered.
