Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Dec 2: The National Highway Authority of India has directed its regional office not to collect the combined user (toll) fee at the Hejamady gate until a concrete decision or consensus is reached on the matter.

A press communique issued by NHAI regarding the revision of user fee rates at Hejamady toll plaza due to the merger of Surathkal toll plaza with Hejamady toll plaza said Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat had telephonically directed the regional authority not to collect user fee of Surathkal toll plaza at Hejamady toll plaza till December 5.

A meeting has been scheduled on December 5 by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nithin Gadkari along with ministers and MLAs of Udupi district.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat had also informed that there is a meeting scheduled on December 3 by district in-charge minister in the presence of people's representatives of district and the district administration to discuss the toll plaza merger issues and its repercussions.

The Udupi MLA had suggested considering the division of Surathkal toll plaza user fee equally among the three toll gates - Bhramarakotlu, Talapady and Hejamady instead of adding the full user fee amount at Hejamady gate which will lead to public agitation and protests at Hejamady.

The press note said Udupi DC had also requested the NHAI officials not to collect the combined user fee at Hejamady while terming the move as 'incorrect' and 'unjustified'.