Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jul 5: During a meeting held on Thursday at the deputy commissioner’s office, DC Dr Vidyakumari instructed NHAI project officers and the toll maintenance company to continue providing toll rebates for local residents at all district toll plazas, as per the previous arrangement.

When the toll maintenance was transferred from Navyug to a new highway construction company, the new entity began collecting toll charges from locals at all toll gates. This led to protests from residents at the Sastan toll gate against the new company’s policy. Following the protests, the DC intervened and assured the residents of a suitable resolution. Consequently, it was decided in Thursday's meeting to continue the toll rebate.

Prominent leaders from the protest committee highlighted issues related to the service road, drainage systems, street lights, and other local concerns to the officials and the DC. The NHAI project officers suggested implementing toll rebate passes for locals while mandating toll payments for commercial vehicles, a proposal that was met with objections from the protesters. The DC instructed the NHAI officials and the contractor to maintain the current status and expedite the completion of all pending works.

SP Dr. Arun Kumar, ADC Mamta Devi, NHAI project officer Mohammed Javid, and Shyam Sundar Nairi, leader of the Sastan toll gate protest committee, along with others, were present at the meeting.