Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Aug 28: Payment of toll on Hejamady NH66 center is made simple so that a vehicle driver can pay the toll quickly and proceed further. Several facilities such as 14 lanes are provided for the purpose. Seven lanes are meant for arrival and remaining seven lanes are for departure. The toll gate has been made broad to prevent traffic block. “If a person pays the toll with proper change, he can proceed after paying the toll within ten seconds”, say Navyug company officials.

There are security personnel during all the 24 hours in the day to provide security. Medical facilities and Ambulance are available in case of accidents within a radius of 40 kilometres. A pharmacist is also present. A crane facility is available if the vehicles break down.

Automatic doors have installed to save time and for smooth flow of traffic. As the toll is paid, the door opens through sensor and enables the vehicle to pass through. It closes soon after the vehicle passes. 30 modern CC cameras have been installed at the rate of two cameras for each lane and two outside. Toilets have been constructed for drivers and passengers.

Toll can also be paid electronically through ETC. One can obtain ICICI bank FAStag, a sticker like a bar code, fix it to the car and pass through the lane meant for those who have FAStag without stopping the vehicle. The FAStag system works through Radio Frequency Identification. It reads only when the vehicle passes through the specified lane. Therefore there is no need to stop the vehicle at all.

“No toll is collected from two wheelers and auto rikshaws. A separate lane is specified for them. The toll is also less for those who stay within a distance of 20 kilometres”, said the officials.

As the toll gate functions round the clock, the staff are provided accommodation above the toll gate. Well-equipped rooms with necessary facilities are constructed for them. The toll gate in Sasthan also has similar facilities though that toll gate only has ten lanes.

The national highway authority has not permitted collection of toll at Hejmady and Sasthan yet. The officials have said that Surathkal toll gate may stop when Hejamady toll gate starts functioning.