Assam CM Addresses Toll Tax Controversy After Fatal Khetri Accident
Chief Minister Responds to Toll Tax Concerns
File image of CM Sarma at the incident site in Khetri on August 30. (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, Sept 2: Following a tragic road accident in Khetri that resulted in seven fatalities, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has rejected claims linking the incident to toll collection.
In response to calls for reducing or waiving toll fees on the affected highway, Sarma highlighted that Assam contributes approximately Rs 1,000 crore annually in tolls, while receiving nearly Rs 1 lakh crore from the central government through various initiatives.
“The tolls collected have funded significant infrastructure projects, including tunnels and elevated corridors in Kaziranga. We pay around Rs 1,000 crore in tolls each year, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi allocates us Rs 1 lakh crore through various schemes. Therefore, I believe there is no need for controversy,” Sarma stated during an event in Dergaon.
He emphasized that substantial public investment is necessary for major infrastructure developments, such as the Mission Chariali-Baihata Chariali expansion and elevated corridors.
“These projects will materialize, and the funding will come from the public. People should willingly pay tolls for the state's progress,” the Chief Minister remarked.
During his visit to the accident site on August 30, Sarma reiterated that the accident should not be directly associated with toll collection, although he acknowledged the urgency of road repairs to prevent future incidents.
“I believe there is no need to connect the accident with toll taxes. However, if the public collectively decides otherwise, I cannot oppose them. Our primary focus should be on ensuring road repairs to avoid similar accidents,” he noted.
On Wednesday, Sarma also mentioned that the Khetri accident should not be solely blamed on potholes, stressing the importance of examining all factors, including vehicle speed.
“We need to investigate the speed at which the driver was traveling. I observed the area myself. The vehicle crashed and crossed over to the opposite side of the road. There is a significant divider on the National Highway, so vehicle speed must be taken into account,” Sarma explained.
While he acknowledged the existence of a pothole at the accident site, he argued that it could not solely account for the vehicle crossing the road divider.
“I have seen the pothole, but if a vehicle was traveling at 80 km/h, it would have sustained damage. For it to cross over the divider, it likely had to be traveling at 100-120 km/h. We must consider all aspects. Blaming the accident solely on the pothole is not a solution,” he stated.
Sarma pointed out that Assam experiences a high number of road accidents and emphasized that discussions on road safety should also focus on speeding and adherence to safety regulations.
In the wake of the August 30 incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has committed to repairing potholes along the Khanapara-Sonapur highway stretch within a week.
A committee has been established to oversee the repair efforts. Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner Swapneel Paul indicated that the committee will include the Co-District Commissioner of Dimoria, the District Transport Officer of Kamrup (M), the SDPO of Dimoria, the Circle Officer, and two civil society representatives.
“The committee will supervise the repairs and provide a report to the Deputy Commissioner by September 8,” Paul added.