A deputation of transporters of Jammu, headed by T.S.Wazir called on Minister for PWD (R&B), Floriculture & Horticulture, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari here today to discuss the Bann toll plaza issue.Bukhari said the State Government has already been taken up the matter with the Central Government. “The State Government is expecting early positive response from the Central Government on the issue,” he maintained.The Minister said the Government is vigorously pursuing rationalization of toll charges for the vehicles plying on Jammu-Udhampur stretch of National Highway and has deputed Commissioner Secretary Public Works Department to pursue the matter with the Central Government. He said the Commissioner Secretary Public Works Department had a meeting with the Union Secretary, Road Transport & Highways and apprised him of the situation.
Bukhari said the State Government has already made its stand clear that the local bus, truck and taxi operators are genuine in their demand for reduction in highway user charges as most of their vehicles, not destined to Udhampur and beyond, ply only on partial distance of about 8 to 10 kms on the 4-lane highway. “It is purely in this context that the State Government took up the matter immediately with the Central Government for its early resolution for the convenience of transporters and the general public,” he added.The Minister said most of the local transporters are earning their livelihood by running small vehicles for tourists with meagre earnings. He said in view of the suggestions made by the transporters and the general public, the State Government has proposed drastic reduction in the existing toll being charged from the transporters and other vehicle owners using this section of the National Highway.