Patna: Toll collection on Bihar’s state highways is unlikely to begin before November, with the Road Construction Department continuing a statewide traffic assessment to determine the financial viability of the proposed toll system.
Officials said the findings of the survey will be used to estimate traffic volume, assess annual revenue potential and finalise the process for appointing toll collection agencies.
Two-Month Traffic Survey Underway
The department is conducting a two-month study to measure vehicle movement across state highways.
Specialised cameras have been installed at both ends of selected highways to record the number of vehicles using the roads. The data collected will form the basis for future decisions on toll implementation.
Revenue Assessment To Guide Tender Process
According to the department, the new toll policy is based on estimating the “annual potential collection” for each highway.
Once the expected toll revenue is calculated, officials will factor in the cost of road maintenance and toll operations before determining the base value for inviting bids from toll collection agencies.
Policy Accounts For Future Traffic Growth
The new policy assumes an annual increase of 5% in traffic volume while estimating future toll revenue.
Officials said the calculations will also account for categories of vehicles exempt from paying toll to ensure accurate revenue projections.
Toll Rates Await Final Notification
The government said toll charges for individual highways will be announced only after the policy is formally notified and the survey findings are reviewed.
Officials are also considering limiting the tollable distance on state highways to a maximum of 20 km. While the Bihar Cabinet has already approved the per-kilometre toll structure, the total toll payable on individual routes will be determined after the survey is completed and the final notification is issued.
