The JAAC has proposed to set up check posts at 17 identified bridges spread over 18 districts of the Jharkhand region and collect tax by manning its own personnel. Presently, toll tax is being levied at each of these bridges by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation (BSBCC), which had constructed these bridges earlier.

JAAC sources said that the revenue could help it maintain these bridges that were said to be in dilapidated condition.

``In essence, our proposal tantamounts to a transfer of power to collect toll tax from BSBCC to JAAC,'' a senior JAAC official said.

Section 33 of the JAAC Act, 1994 reads: ``It may collect road tax through check post from any vehicle (including non power), subject to the rate and conditions determined by the state government.'' But this power remained a far cry for the JAAC as theRabri Devi government has not notified it.

After the BSBCC released a tender inviting bids for the 17 bridges in this region last year, the JAAC passed a resolution urging the State government to cancel the tender floated by BSBCC and vest the power with it.

``The BSBCC has given us its consent. Now, we are studying the details of fees to be charged and mode of its collection,'' JAAC vice-chairman Suraj Mandal told The Indian Express today.