MCD orders immediate implementation of revised toll rates

New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi has asked its toll tax department to immediately implement the revised environment compensation charges (ECC) following a recent order of Supreme Court.

The enhanced rates, which are for all commercial vehicles entering Delhi, are part of an ongoing effort to discourage polluting commercial vehicles from entering Delhi.

Under the the revised structure, the ECC for Category 2 vehicles (light-duty vehicles) and Category 3 vehicles (two-axle trucks) has been increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000. For heavier vehicles — Category 4 (three-axle trucks) and Category 5 (four-axle trucks and above) — the charge has been raised from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,000.

The move follows the apex court’s March 12 order in the long-running case of MC Mehta vs Union of India, which mandated a hike in ECC rates to curb vehicle pollution in the national capital.

The Supreme Court, while approving the proposal of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), directed that the revised ECC rates be implemented from April 1 and also allowed a 5 per cent annual increase from the same date.

An official told TOI that the civic body is implementing the Supreme Court’s directions along with technological upgrades such as RFID integration.

The move is aimed at pushing diesel commercial vehicles to use peripheral expressways instead of entering Delhi. The court also directed MCD to rationalise its toll structure and undertake a comprehensive traffic study, while asking it to work in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India to ensure better compliance, including shifting of toll plazas where required.

It emphasised that heavy vehicles not carrying essential goods should avoid entering the city.