Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 5: The Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi staged a protest at Nanthoor Junction on Wednesday, February 5, demanding the timely completion of national highway works.

The Samithi put forth several demands, including the resolution of issues related to the national highway passing through the district, the removal of the Bhramarakotlu toll gate, adherence to toll gate regulations before constructing new toll gates, and the completion of the Nanthoor flyover and Kulur bridge within the stipulated timeframe.

Speaking at the protest, Muneer Katipalla said, "We are well aware of the condition of the road from Surathkal to Nanthoor, which is filled with potholes and has claimed several lives in accidents. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is plagued with issues. After continuous efforts, we managed to get the Surathkal toll gate removed, yet toll collection at Bhramarakotlu continues unlawfully through intimidation.

"For the past 15 years, we have been dependent on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway, but we are still unable to travel with ease or in a reasonable time. The NHAI work from BC Road to Gundya remains incomplete, forcing commuters to travel through dust and suffer health issues. The Punjalkatte-Charmadi road is also unfinished, making travel during the monsoon unbearable, with work progressing at a snail's pace. Additionally, highway construction from Nanthoor to Vamanjoor towards Karkala has not even started properly," he added.

"The Nanthoor flyover has been a long-pending demand, yet no progress has been made. Several young lives have been lost in accidents here. Though the foundation stone was laid long ago, work on the flyover has come to a complete halt. The MLA and MP have failed to address the stay order that halted the project," Katipalla questioned.

"You have enough time to conduct Kambala and other festivals, but not for crucial roadwork. Only a small portion of Nanthoor has been levelled to allow elected representatives to put up flex banners. No one knows the actual design of the Nanthoor flyover. What is the problem in constructing a flyover from KPT to Nanthoor?" he asked.

"From BC Road to Gundya, there are two toll gates, and from Charmadi to BC Road, there is another toll gate, making a total of six illegal toll gates. Why is the MP conducting NHAI meetings at the district level but failing to address public grievances? The delay in NHAI projects is entirely due to the negligence of elected MLAs and MPs. The Kerala government has successfully developed its national highways because their MLAs and MPs take responsibility and conduct regular meetings," he pointed out.

"As per the central minister, there should be a 60 km gap between two toll gates, but in Dakshina Kannada, toll gates are placed just 20 km apart. Why is this not being questioned? This protest will continue until the MLA questions the NHAI about the Nanthoor flyover and Kulur bridge work. The MP and MLA must take responsibility to ensure the speedy completion of NHAI projects," he asserted.

"In the coming days, we will intensify our protest, stage gheraos, and organize rallies to press for our demands," he warned.