Mumbai, March 13 (IANS) Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, drawing his attention to the "physical and mental toll on citizens" over toll tax.
"I am deeply concerned about the present state of affairs concerning the operations of toll gates around the city of Mumbai," Tendulkar said in a two-page missive on the letterhead of the Rajya Sabha, of which he is a nominated member.
The letter was sent to Fadnavis on February 20 and was made public on Friday.
"I would sincerely request you to kindly reconsider the model of operations to reduce the physical and mental toll on citizens who travel in and out of Mumbai," the letter said.
Tendulkar urged the chief minister to ensure that motorists have an easier time navigating the country's commercial capital and reduce the anguish being faced by citizens.
Reciprocating, Fadnavis assured the legislative council that the state government would look into the concerned expressed by the icon on the vexed toll tax issues.
"We have taken note of his letter... I assure the house that we will overcome in a transparent way the legal hurdles to bring an end to toll plazas... We are committed to clear the legal hurdles in shutting down the toll plazas in the state," Fadnavis said.
He pointed out that a review of the agreements of major toll operators revealed that there was no "buy-back" clause for which a probe has been initiated with possibilities of seeking legal redressal.
Maharashtra PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil and Transport Minister Diwakar Raote have largely welcomed Tendulkar's initiative on the prickly issue of toll tax.
However, Raote of the Shiv Sena told a private TV channel that by raising this issue at least "Sachin finally remembers Mumbai and Maharashtra".
"Is he ignorant about the issues plaguing farmers," he retorted at the master-blaster's unexpected sympathy for the people of Mumbai and others parts of the state reeling under the burden of toll tax since nearly two decades.
Later this evening, Raote tendered an unconditional public apology for his statement to Tendulkar, saying they were not intended to insult the sentiments of the cricket icon in any manner.
Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leaders welcomed Tendulkar's intervention in the issue.
"With the growth of the city, there is a lot of travel that happens from satellite towns especially from Vashi and Thane. In this context, there is a need to re-look at the number of toll gates rather than keep adding to the list. These tolls (gates) have become major road blocks resulting in traffic snarls, burning fuel and adding to pollution levels," Tendulkar wrote.
Moreover, he rued how the hike in the toll tax has added to the woes of people as the time taken to complete the transaction for each vehicle has increased on account of issues of small change (Rs.5).
Castigating toll operators, Tendulkar said they need to invest in technology which can help alleviate the limitations of collecting toll, including using RFID enabled cards within India and other similar solutions used worldwide.
"One must bear in mind that Mumbai as a city as always lead the way in terms of adoption of technology and modernisation, but sadly we seem to be lagging behind on the convergence of toll collection and technology," he pointed out.
Tendulkar also delivered his piece of mind on the conditions of roads and cited the examples of the toll posts connecting Vashi and Airoli in Navi Mumbai.
He urged Fadnavis to ensure a 24x7 dedicated and open lane for ambulances which routinely get stuck in traffic jams at toll tax lanes.
"I have seen on multiple occasions, where ambulances are unable to cross a toll gate as they are stuck in the traffic snarl, compromising the person in need of critical care. Movement of ambulances have been an issue in the city and we should make a start by ensuring smooth passage at the toll gates," Tendulkar pleaded.
Navjot Singh Sidhu in trouble with 33-year-old case, Supreme Court issues notice
Punjab PCC Chief and Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is contesting the assembly elections from the Amritsar seat, maybe in trouble in the 33-year-old road rage case. The Supreme Court heard the matter on
Current financial year: Government expenditure of 18.24 lakh crore in the first half, revenue 12.03 lakh crore
During the first half (April-September) of the current financial year, the government has spent Rs 18.24 lakh crore. Its revenue during this period has been 12.03 crores. With this, the fiscal deficit
India will grow rapidly after big news of relief / corona; Rating agency Fitch forecasts 9.5% and S&P forecasts 8.5% GDP growth
New Delhi. True, the situation in the country is difficult, but it is expected to improve soon. Two of the world's largest agencies have made this golden prediction for India. Both agencies have said
Nation Lockdown: know what are the 21 big challenges of 21 days which we have to face
New Delhi (JNN). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced the final battle to fight the corona virus which has become a global pandemic by declaring a 21-day lockdown in the country. But the
Shahid Kapoor: Shahid Kapoor does not like the image of 'cute boy', said - hates this word
Actor Shahid Kapoor is in discussion these days about his web series 'Farzi'. Shahid Kapoor, who started his career as a model, has given brilliant performances in films based on different subjects.
Xi Jinping Saudi Arabia Visit: Xi Jinping will visit Saudi Arabia this week, and may attend the China-Arab summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping can reach Saudi Arabia on Thursday. According to the news agency ANI, during this visit, Xi can participate in the Sino-Arab summit held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi
Lockdown-night curfew: strict restrictions in many states including Delhi, UP, Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, know where lockdown and night curfew were imposed
New Delhi The corona epidemic in the country has once again taken a serious turn. Daily Corona cases are making new records. Various states are taking precautionary steps to break the corona
Corona has made Pakistan more troubled than before, demanding mercy from lending countries
Already troubled by poverty and a weak economy, the Corona epidemic has left Pakistan in a state of disarray. Alam is that he does not have the money to pay the loan installments. In such a situation,
Center will give 10 lakh jobs in one and a half year: Opposition called PM's announcement a jumla, asked what happened to 2 crore jobs
The central government has announced to recruit 10 lakh posts in the next one and a half years. These recruitments will be done on vacant posts in various departments and ministries of the Central
Why are Afghan soldiers so helpless in front of the Taliban?
The Taliban also took control of the capital of Afghanistan's strategically important Samangan province on Monday. Meanwhile, a commander backed by the government of Afghanistan also decided to go in