TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The state government has notified draft rules which propose charging vehicles for using State highway, district road, village road and bridges, but have exempted Goan private vehicles from this regime.
While two wheelers are also exempted, commercial vehicles will have to pay the requisite fees.
Four wheelers including cars, jeep, pick up van will have to pay Rs 250, six wheelers (and above) such as buses and trucks will have to pay Rs 500 while rickshaws will have to pay Rs 100 for usage of roads.
The draft says that other heavy mechanical vehicles such as mobile crane dozers, earthmovers, road rollers will have to pay Rs 1000.
The notification states, “In exercise of the powers conferred by second proviso to section 54A and section 54B of the Goa, Daman and Diu Highways Act, 1974 (Act 10 of 1974), the Government of Goa is pleased to exempt the following… vehicles from the payment of fees… (i) All types of three wheelers, four wheelers, six wheelers or more than six wheelers except commercial vehicles which are registered in the State of Goa in any Regional Transport Office of Goa. (ii) Vehicles having VIP symbols or belonging to the President and Vice-President of India, Central and State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly. (iii) Defense Vehicles, Police Vehicles, Ambulances, Post and Telegraphs Department vehicles and Central and any other State Government vehicle on duty.”
However, two wheelers (whether registered in Goa or outside) are exempt. Every driver, or owner has to pay fees under these Rules shall, before crossing a State highway, district road, village road or permanent bridge. The rules specify that in the event of two or more permanent bridges falling in close proximity to each other and within 80 kms, from the point of entry of the first bridge to be crossed a fee for one bridge is enough. In case the same vehicle has to cross the State highway, district road, village road and permanent bridge more than once in a day, owner has the option to pay the fees at one and a half times of rate notified on the first trip itself or enters frequently can pick up a monthly pass.
