Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 30: A protest by locals led by Congress leaders and the Nagarika Samiti was held against the new toll booth near NIT-K Suratkal near here on Wednesday September 30.
The protestors blocked the highway for about 15 minutes, which resulted in a huge traffic jam extending up to three kilometres.
The toll plaza, set up by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is situated near the NITK at Suratkal on the national highway 66. Vehicles traveling between Suratkal to Nanthoor (18.362 kilometers) will have to cough up money to use the highway. Once the spent amount is recovered, the toll fee will come down by 40 % said sources.
The protestors claimed that the toll collection was against the law as there is already another toll booth a few kilometres away
Addressing the protest, MLA North Mohiuddin Bava said, "As per rules, toll booths should be set up within at last 60 km of each other, but here the Hejamady toll booth is just 10 km away. Also, there is no service road, the highway is two-lane without proper drainage, and even the Baikampady bridge is not ready.
"The Supreme Court has clearly stated that no toll should be collected for bad roads. The road here is in pathetic condition, hence toll collection cannot be allowed. We will stand by the people on this issue," he added.
MLC Ivan D'Souza who also joined the protest said that he would talk to the officials concerned and do justice to the people.
District Youth Congress president Mithun Rai said, "When the people do not want the toll gate, it is better to break it down.
He also alleged that BJP leaders had got contract for the tool booth, and that the staff at the toll gate had been behaving like 'goons'.
The tahsildar came to the spot and accepted a memorandum from the Nagarika Samiti in this regard. The Samiti would also hold a meeting with the DC to discuss the issue.
The protestors also pointed out that as per rules, there can be no toll gate within city coporation limits, but NIT-K Suratkal area falls under MCC.
DC defers toll collection
Following the protest held at Suratkal by locals led by Congress leaders, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim issued an order postponing the collection of toll at the plaza by one week.
"In view of the law and order problem in and around the toll plaza at Suratkal, the proposed collection of toll with effect from October 1, 2015 will be suspended for next 7 days without fail," stated the order.
Toll collection
The toll collection was supposed to begin from October 1. For light passenger vehicles, one has to pay Rs 45 for one way and Rs 70 for two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 25 will be charged. A pass that be used 50 times a month will be available for Rs 1,510.
For light goods vehicles, Rs 75 one way, Rs 110 two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 35 will be charged. One can get a pass that can be used 50 times a month for Rs 2,435.
For bus and trucks (two axle), Rs 155 one way, Rs 230 two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 75 will be charged. Pass for 50 times a month will be available for Rs 5,105.
For three axle trucks , Rs 165 one way, Rs 250 two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 85 will be charged. A monthly pass with 50 trips will be available for Rs 5,565.
For multi axle trucks and other classified heavy vehicles in the category, Rs 240 one way, Rs 360 two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 120 will be charged. Monthly pass would cost Rs 8,000.
For oversized and multi axle vehicles (more than 7 axles), Rs 290 one way, Rs 440 two ways (to return on same day) and for the vehicle registered within the district Rs 145 will be charged. One can get pass for Rs 9,740 for one month.
For passenger vehicles (other than commercial) which are stationed within 20 kilometers of the plaza a monthly pass for Rs 230 will be issued. Some other discounts depending upon the frequency will also be offered.