Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Nov 9: Kundapura saw a powerful protest on Saturday, November 9 led by the National Highway Awareness Committee, as locals raised concerns over the imposition of toll fees, dangerous road conditions, and malfunctioning streetlights on National Highway 66.

The protestors, including local vehicle owners and residents, blocked the Sasthana Toll Plaza, demanding that authorities take immediate action. Shyamsundar Nayari, president of the committee, criticized the toll collection from local vehicles and school buses, which he claimed cause unnecessary delays, particularly for schoolchildren. "If this continues, commercial vehicles will also face toll charges. This is part of a larger strategy to impose tolls on everyone," Nayari warned.

Nayari also highlighted the hazardous state of the Sasthana-Kundapura Road, with large potholes creating dangerous conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians. "The pedestrian paths are riddled with dangerous potholes, and the streetlights are not functioning. Meanwhile, the public is forced to pay tolls," he added.

The protesters presented the following demands:

• Exemption from toll fees for local vehicles, as previously granted by the Grama Panchayat.
• Immediate repairs to the potholes on the key routes, especially the Sasthan-Kundapura stretch.
• Restoration of streetlights to ensure safety at night.
• Construction of a service road to prevent illegal parking and ensure smoother traffic flow.
• Timely maintenance of the roads to ensure public safety.

Police mediation and ongoing talks

As tensions rose, Brahmavar Circle Inspector Divakar intervened and helped facilitate a dialogue between the toll company officials and the protesters. This mediation helped calm the situation, and an agreement was made to hold further discussions.

Meeting scheduled for Monday

However, in response to the toll company’s dismissive attitude, the committee announced that a follow-up meeting will take place on Monday at the Taluk office. The police will mediate the meeting, where toll officials and protest leaders will work towards finding a solution.

Warning of stronger action

Pratap Shetty, former president of the committee, issued a stern warning: "If these issues are not addressed, we will take stronger action, including freeing the toll gate." The protest was supported by local vehicle drivers and concerned residents, all demanding a fair resolution to the ongoing problems affecting their daily lives.