Daijiworld Media Network - Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg, Apr 24: Strong opposition has emerged against the proposed toll collection at Orosgaon on the Mumbai-Goa highway, with traders and activists warning of an agitation if their demands are not met.

The Centre has initiated moves to operationalise the toll plaza at Orosgaon in Kankavli taluk from May. However, the Sindhudurg District Traders Federation and the Toll-Free Action Committee have objected to the move, demanding toll exemption for all vehicles in the district or the construction of an alternative state highway at the location.

A joint meeting of the federation and the action committee was held at a government guest house in Kankavli. The meeting was attended by federation president Sanjay Sawant, committee president Dwarakanath Ghurye, along with Raju Jathar, advocates Nandan Vengurlekar and Nitin Mhapanakar, and other office-bearers.

The traders argued that the project is not a new highway but merely a widening of an existing road, making toll collection technically unjustified. They also recalled that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier assured during a programme in Kudal that the highway would remain toll-free.

Concerns were raised that the toll plaza would effectively divide the district into two parts, placing an additional financial burden on residents travelling to the district hospital and administrative headquarters. Farmers and traders transporting goods to the proposed market yard at Nandgaon would also be adversely affected.

Leaders further claimed that previous attempts by three different agencies to introduce toll collection had failed due to public opposition, and the current move marks a fourth attempt to impose tolls.

The federation stated that a detailed discussion will be held with Sindhudurg guardian minister Nitesh Rane in the coming days, following which the future course of agitation will be decided. A large number of traders and activists were present at the meeting.