Himachal Earns Rs 171.48 Crore from 11 Toll Barriers’ Auction in 11 Months: RTI

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has earned ₹171.48 crore from the auction of 11 toll barriers across the state in just 11 months of the current financial year, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The figures were shared by the Department of State Taxes and Excise in response to an RTI query. The department clarified that the revenue was generated through the auctioning of toll collection rights to private contractors, who bid for the right to collect toll taxes at designated entry points and check posts.

Auction-Based Toll Collection

Under the existing system, the state auctions toll barriers annually, allowing the highest bidder to collect toll taxes from vehicles entering the state. These toll barriers are primarily located at key interstate entry points and major routes to monitor the inflow of goods and ensure tax compliance.

Officials stated that the ₹171.48 crore amount reflects the total auction value received by the government for the 11 toll barriers during the 11-month period. The revenue forms a significant part of the state’s non-tax earnings and contributes to strengthening the treasury.

Profit Details Withheld

However, when the RTI applicant sought information regarding the profit earned by the contractors operating these toll barriers, the department expressed its inability to provide the details. Citing “third party information,” officials said that profit margins and financial gains of private contractors are not maintained by the department and cannot be disclosed without following provisions related to third-party consent under the RTI Act.

The department maintained that it only oversees the auction process and ensures compliance with contractual terms but does not have access to the contractors’ internal financial records.

Transparency and Accountability Debate

The refusal to disclose profit-related data has sparked discussions around transparency in public-private revenue models. RTI activists argue that since toll collection involves public money and public infrastructure, greater disclosure would promote accountability.

Meanwhile, government sources indicated that the bidding process is competitive and transparent, and the auction amount itself reflects the contractors’ assessment of expected collections and potential profits.

The RTI response highlights the substantial revenue generated through toll auctions while also bringing attention to the limits of information disclosure under the RTI framework when it involves private entities.