GOVT WITHDRAWS ADVISORY FOR VIP LANES AT TOLL PLAZAS
LUCKNOW: The government on Monday withdrew its advisory for creating separate lanes for VIPs at toll plazas and collection centres after the move drew flak from several quarters. In a U-turn, additional chief secretary, PWD, Sadakant on Monday said questions were being asked and confusion prevailed over the July 13 advisory in connection with separate VIP lanes at toll plazas. The MPs and MLAs will, however, continue to remain exempted from paying toll tax.
The government on Monday withdrew its advisory for creating separate lanes for VIPs at toll plazas and collection centres after the move drew flak from several quarters.
In a U-turn, additional chief secretary, PWD, Sadakant on Monday said questions were being asked and confusion prevailed over the July 13 advisory in connection with separate VIP lanes at toll plazas. “The advisory was misinterpreted,” he said.
“It is being clarified that no separate lane is to be built for VIPs. The existing arrangement for movement of vehicles being followed at the toll plazas and collection centres would apply to one and all,” said the order issued by the additional chief secretary on Monday. The MPs and MLAs will, however, continue to remain exempted from paying toll tax.
There have been disputes when the staff at toll plazas demanded toll tax from vehicles accompanying the VIPs.
Earlier, the government drew flak for its directive to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, chief engineers of PWD and regional officers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), seeking special lanes at toll plazas across the state for the members of parliament, legislators and ministers. The move for separate lanes for VIPs was questioned since the Centre had earlier banned the use of beacon lights and sirens on official vehicles, except in particular cases.
It is being clarified that no separate lane is to be built for VIPs. The existing arrangement for movement of vehicles at the toll plazas would apply to one and all THE ORDER ISSUED BY ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY