The Hindu Business Line : Independent agency to go into Mattancherry toll issue

A CABINET sub-committee assigned with the task of finding a way out of the stalemate over the toll collected by the service provider at the Mattancherry BOT bridge in Kochi has decided to refer the issue to an independent agency.

A meeting of the sub-committee held here on Monday also decided to revise downward the toll rates payable for the time being and work towards finding a permanent solution in a month's time.

Peoples' representatives, members of the trading community, bus owners and representatives of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) were among those who attended the meeting.

As per the revised rates, the toll applicable for light vehicles will be Rs 10 from now onwards. This rate, fixed originally at Rs 10.50 in year 2001, had subsequently been raised to Rs 11.50 this year. State carriers would now be required to pay a consolidated Rs 100 for a whole day as against the Rs 47.50 being charged per trip.

The Mattancherry bridge, the first BOT project to come in the State, has been witnessing widespread protests over the toll rates enforced by the service provider, Gammon India. Traffic through the bridge had been blocked for the last three days after various organisations and political parties took out rallies and physically prevented vehicles from plying.

Briefing newsmen on the proceedings of the meeting, the Transport Minister, Mr R. Balakrishna Pillai, said an independent agency, constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, would study the issue separately. The agency had been asked to submit its report within a month's time. The Secretary (Local Administration) would also cooperate with the agency.

Proposals made by this agency would be later discussed with a wide spectrum of people and organisations that are party to the issue. The final proposal would then be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval.

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