The state would have paid only EUR 2.7 billion for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Comarnic-Brasov highway for 30 years if it had the money.However, adding the financing costs, the amount rises to EUR 8.45 billion, reports local Mediafax.

In the beginning, drivers will be charged RON 7 (EUR 1.55) in highway tax, according to a presentation made by the Ministry of Finance.

The cost per kilometer amounts to EUR 51.5 million in the loan scenario, and to EUR 159.5 million in the free of loans scenario.The overall construction cost for the highway is EUR 1.82 billion (without VAT), according to the offer submitted by the winning joint venture Vinci - Strabag - Aktor.

The actual construction is estimated at EUR 1.66 billion, adding expenses for engineering and design services worth EUR 109.7 million and other costs of EUR 54.8 million.

editor@romania-insider.com