Buying new vehicles in Telangana to cost more with road safety cess

HYDERABAD: Planning to buy a new vehicle in Telangana will soon cost more as the transport department has decided to introduce a road safety cess. The state cabinet has approved the proposal, which will come into effect after the assembly passes it. The authorities will collect the cess at the time of new vehicle registration.

Buyers to pay ₹2,000–₹10,000 depending on vehicle type

Depending on the type of vehicle, buyers will cost between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 as road safety cess. For Two wheeler ₹2,000, Four wheeler ₹5,000, Other vehicles ₹10,000. The transport department estimates an annual revenue of ₹270 crore from the measure.

Vehicles used for agriculture and those that serve as a livelihood for auto workers have been exempted from the levy. Telangana registers an average of nine lakh new vehicles every year, including six lakh two-wheelers, 1.7 lakh cars and 1.3 lakh other vehicles.

Officials introduced the cess in line with directions from the Supreme Court-appointed road safety committee. The transport commissioner will credit the funds into a separate account and will use them exclusively for road safety programmes.

The department will spend the money on seminars, workshops, setting up driving training centres, establishing traffic educational parks, conducting eye tests for lorry and auto drivers, and purchasing enforcement equipment such as speed guns and breath analysers.