BOT bridge toll to go?

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People of West Kochi will heave a sigh of relief if the announcement of a new GCDA chairman becomes a reality.

N. Venugopal promised on Sunday that the Authority will take steps to abolish the toll at the Mattancherry BOT bridge, the state's first bridge built on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. It was the GCDA which awarded the contract to Gammon India Limited for building the bridge in 1999.

“Though the company was given the right to collect tolls for 13 years, which was extended to two more years, the Authority can terminate the right by paying compensation specified in the agreement. However, a six month notice period is to be served on the company before abolishing the toll. A third-party assessment of the total toll collection and other aspects needs to be carried out after which the Authority will be able to withdraw the toll,” said Mr. Venugopal.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr. C.R. Neelakan-dan, social activist said that people of Kochi were eagerly waiting for such a decision. “Though very late, the decision to withdraw the toll at Mattanchery BOT bridge, is a welcome initiative. The proposal should be implemented with immediate effect which will be a big relief to the people of West Kochi,” said Mr. Neelakandan. V.D. Majeendran, convenor of ‘Toll Virudha Samithi’s also welcomed the decision.

According to an earlier report of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Gammon India Limited has collected more than Rs 150 crore from toll collection till 2005, added Mr. Neelakandan. Meanwhile, the total cost for constructing the 500 metre bridge was nearly Rs 20 crore, according to reports.

The new GCDA chairman has also made it clear that the Authority will not carry out any project on build, operate and transfer basis. “The proposed BOT project at Manapattiparambu will be cancelled. I will write to government requesting the cancellation of the proposal,” said Mr. Venugopal.

Facts and figures about BOT

* Year in which bridge constructed: 2001
* Cost of construction of bridge: Rs 20 crore
* Total toll collection (as per CAG report, 2005): Rs 50 crore
* Toll for bus: Rs 100
* Toll for car: Rs 10
* Toll for truck & heavy vehicles: Rs 150