In a bid to tackle the worsening traffic congestion, the Delhi government is set to introduce a congestion tax during peak hours. According to Shahzad Alam, the Special Commissioner of Transport, the government is working on a “congestion pricing” strategy, where drivers will be charged for using certain roads during high-traffic hours. The move is part of a broader plan to manage transportation and improve road conditions across the city.
Alam stated, “New fund allocation is happening for managing the transport…What we are working on is called congestion pricing.” In the pilot phase, 13 major entry points on Delhi’s borders have been identified for this congestion tax.
Congestion Tax Idea Resurfaces
This idea is not new to Delhi. Back in 2018, the then Lt. Governor Anil Baijal proposed a similar plan to charge vehicles entering congested roadways during peak hours, aimed at easing traffic and reducing pollution. High-traffic areas like ITO intersection and Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road were identified as potential locations for the tax.
In 2017, a parliamentary committee had also suggested imposing a toll on vehicles traveling on heavily congested stretches in the Capital.
Bengaluru Considering Similar Measure
Delhi isn’t the only city facing traffic issues. A recent report from Karnataka’s planning department suggested that Bengaluru should also implement a congestion tax. The report, titled Karnataka’s Decade – Roadmap to a $1 Trillion Economy, proposed using the FASTag system to collect tolls from non-exempt vehicles during rush hours. The revenue could be reinvested to improve public transport, reduce pollution, and enhance overall quality of life.
Cities like Singapore, London, and Stockholm have successfully implemented congestion taxes to manage traffic flow and reduce environmental impact. These cities have seen significant reductions in traffic congestion and pollution, setting an example for Delhi and Bengaluru as they explore similar solutions.
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