How to stop toll collections through legal means ?

[mithun]

On my way to the Cochin city, there is a toll gate which was created for collecting toll for a small bridge(100 m long) which was built under Build-Operate-Transfer(BOT) basis. The bridge was built 13 years ago and the toll was collected since then.

The profit for the bridge is already earned(according to local talk) but the toll practice is still going on. Due to public protests, they stopped collecting toll for 2-wheelers 4 years ago, but others are still penalised.

The other problem other than the toll is that the toll booth is managed by boisterous rowdies.

I want to file case against this booth so that the collection is stopped for ever. How can I do this ? What are the legal step involved ?

Can I use RTI to know how much they have earned ?

I know that lots of TBHP-ians are also facing this kind of corruption in other parts of India. So let's fight together...

[ak916]

Hi Mithun,

Which bridge are you talking about? There is one near my ancestral house at puthenvelikara and the bridge looks real old but we have to pay toll to use it. I think its more of a penalty they are charging us, for still using such an old bridge.

[mithun]

Originally Posted by ak916

Hi Mithun,

Which bridge are you talking about? There is one near my ancestral house at puthenvelikara and the bridge looks real old but we have to pay toll to use it. I think its more of a penalty they are charging us, for still using such an old bridge.

Name : Kolenchery Kadavu Bridge. The bridge is on the way to Nadakkavu(near Mulanthuruthy) and it meets the Vaikom-Ernakulam road.

[diffsoft]

Originally Posted by mithun

Can I use RTI to know how much they have earned ?

First congrats on taking this step.

You can use RTI certainly, try this helpline RTI Helpline Numbers | india rti. Find out which authority / entity is entitled to the revenue and how much have the collected.

Cheers,

[beejay]

Nice. BOT rules are violated in most places. Nobody bothers with these kind of things.

Really nice to see people with good intent. All the best.

[deepaktpatil]

I guess RTI is the best option to start with. You will know if the issue exists at all or not.

[mithun]

Originally Posted by diffsoft

First congrats on taking this step.

You can use RTI certainly, try this helpline RTI Helpline Numbers | india rti. Find out which authority / entity is entitled to the revenue and how much have the collected.

Cheers,

Well, I'm not confident enough about RTI. Dismal performance of SIC, Kerala | india rti

What about other legal means like PIL ?

[alpha1]

Using RTI you can gather info as to how much earnings have been, and how much the project cost was, and that whether the money has been recovered.

PIL will help you with getting the Toll off, once you have your info ready.

[mithun]

Any other options other than PIL like complainig to some higher ups ? Sometimes we can find honest babus, Right ?

[Abes]

I guess that you have to explore all possible means.

1. Local protest groups
2. News coverage in news papers and TV channels
3. Involve you local politicians: panchayath / Municipality / MLA / MP
4. Complaint to concerned Kerala government ministries
5. Legal means: RTI / PIL

[krish3]

People have tried in vain to stop the toll practices for these old bridges years back. PIL's were also given, but nothing is known about their fate.

I would have been happy to pay the toll if they maintained the structural integrity of the bridge. Unfortunately, they never do that.

Mithun, you are also right about the rowdies part. Anyone would think thrice before confronting them.

[jkdas]

Seems you have lot of time and money to spare: Appreciate.

[narayan]

Originally Posted by mithun

On my way to the Cochin city, there is a toll gate which was created for collecting toll for a small bridge(100 m long) which was built under Build-Operate-Transfer(BOT) basis. The bridge was built 13 years ago and the toll was collected since then.

Can I use RTI to know how much they have earned ?

I know that lots of TBHP-ians are also facing this kind of corruption in other parts of India. So let's fight together...

RTI may not help you to find out how much the contractor earned. But u can use RTI to know

what was the terms of the BOT - like time period, maintenance schedules, toll collection practises etc

Originally Posted by mithun

Well, I'm not confident enough about RTI. Dismal performance of SIC, Kerala | india rti

What about other legal means like PIL ?

instead - try taking an appoinment with district collector and speak about it. BUT ONLY AFTER YOU ARE ARMED WITH INFO USING THE ABOVE

Originally Posted by jkdas

Seems you have lot of time and money to spare: Appreciate.

All of us have a lot of time AND money to spare. NOBODY IS BUSY enough to not take up any issues of public interest. attitude is the diffrentiator.

[Live To Jive]

Originally Posted by Abes

I guess that you have to explore all possible means.

1. Local protest groups
2. News coverage in news papers and TV channels
3. Involve you local politicians: panchayath / Municipality / MLA / MP
4. Complaint to concerned Kerala government ministries
5. Legal means: RTI / PIL

Get hold of politicians from the opposition camp. They will be eager to take up the issue. They will also take care of the RTI/PIL, local protest, news coverage etc.

[Spitfire]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Seems you have lot of time and money to spare: Appreciate.

That left a bad taste. Sad to read this on TBHP.