Bihar CM: Private vehicles exempt from new road user fee, only commercial liable
Amid growing controversy over a newly notified road user fee framework in Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday clarified that private vehicles will not be subject to the levy. The proposed tax, he said, would apply only to commercial vehicles using state-owned roads and bridges.
Addressing a Sahyog Shivir programme at the Haripur Panchayat Sarkar Bhawan in Araria district's Forbesganj block, Choudhary accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation about the policy. 'There is no confusion over toll tax… The Bihar government has decided that no toll tax will be imposed on private vehicles. Only commercial vehicles will be charged,' he stated.
The clarification came after a government notification regarding the road user fee sparked criticism from opposition parties, who claimed it would burden common citizens. The new framework had raised concerns among private vehicle owners about additional travel costs.
The Bihar government's decision aligns with existing practices in several other states, where toll taxes are typically levied on commercial vehicles for infrastructure maintenance. The state government maintains that the move is aimed at generating revenue for road upkeep without affecting the general public.
The chief minister's assurance seeks to allay fears among the public and curb political narratives that the administration is imposing new taxes on ordinary citizens. The opposition, however, continues to question the timing and transparency of the notification.
