Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 9: Residents of Manjeshwar, under the leadership of the Manjeshwar Gram Panchayat Action Committee and supported by several local organizations, staged a protest at the Talapady toll gate demanding an end to toll collection in their area.

Speaking at the protest, CPI(M) district secretary Munir Katipalla criticized the increasing number of toll booths across Dakshina Kannada district. “Most of the people’s earnings are being spent on toll fees. We need to unite and resist this now. It is not just the residents of Manjeshwar, but also Talapady, who must oppose the Talapady toll gate,” he said.

Highlighting the growing burden of tolls, Munir added, “Highways in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are being upgraded with toll gates mushrooming along the routes. Toll gates such as those at Suratkal, Brahmarakootlu, Hejmady, and Sastan have been operational for years, and now Manjeshwar residents are forced to pay. If this continues, Talapady residents will face similar issues. People from Karnataka and Kerala must unite to challenge the unfair practices of toll gate authorities who are colluding with private entities to exploit the public. Toll collection within a 5 km radius from the toll gate is unlawful, but NHAI often ignores these rules. Unity is essential for our voices to be heard.”

Leena D’Costa, vice president of the Talapady Church pastoral committee, who inaugurated the protest, expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by toll fees. “We rely on Mangaluru for most of our needs, often traveling multiple times a day. Paying toll fees for each trip is unmanageable. Previously, the 5 km exemption was honoured, but that no longer seems to be the case,” she said.

BJP leader Ashwini also criticized the toll charges, citing personal experiences. “My relatives live close by, and they lose money each time they visit my home. While the central government has built good roads, the agencies in charge are minting money and deceiving the public. I will raise this issue with the central committee,” she promised.

Other prominent attendees included V V Ramesh of the CPM Manjeshwar committee, Manjeshwar gram panchayat president Jin Laveena Monteiro, Muslim League leader Saifulla Tangal, SDPI Manjeshwar Mandala president Sharif Pavoor, Nisar Kunjathur from People’s Union, Ashraf of SDPI, and Siddique Talapady of Gadinadu Rakshana Vedike.