Now, entering into Goa via road for that cheaper sip of beer and cheaper petrol is going to be more expensive. After around a month back announcing such a decision, the Government began charging a minimum of `100 on the all vehicles except two-wheelers registered in neighbouring States.
Speaking at a Press conference, Parrikar said that this step would help mop up the revenue for the State. “Five toll booths have already been erected at five entry points. One more entry points will be erected soon. Three-wheelers entering Goa would be charged `100, tempos `500, four-wheelers `250 and heavy vehicles will be charged `1,000,” he added.
“Those staying in areas near the border and regularly travel between States will be exempted from paying the toll. Vehicles which are using Goa’s roads as only a means of transit will be charged toll but will be refunded as they exit the State,” Parrikar said, giving limited relief to those, who often visit Goa especially those who drive in for trade.
With the State taking a huge revenue hit, owing to the shutdown in mining imposed by the Supreme Court, the State Government has had to increase various commercial taxes in a bid to cope with the shortfall in revenue.
When asked about the protests witnessed in neighbouring States over the issue, Parrikar said they would consider dropping the toll only when and if the other two States — Maharashtra and Karnataka — stop charging toll along
the highways.
“They can save a lot more than the toll on cheap petrol and diesel prices. Diesel is cheaper by `1.75 considering the existing rate in Karnataka and `3 lesser than the price in Maharashtra,” Parrikar said.