Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Dec 22: Since there were several objections from the general public for the functioning of the toll plaza near NITK in Suratkal on the national highway 66, nobody thought it would be realty this year. But now the toll plaza has become a reality with effect from December 21. National highway authority has already started imposing the toll charges on the commuters between Udupi and Mangaluru.
On Monday and Tuesday morning, vehicle drivers could be seen checking the toll charges and paying them at the plaza. For some it was a total surprise.
Vehicles traveling between Suratkal to Nanthoor (18.362 kilometers) will have to cough up money to use the highway. Ircon was the contractor of the road and the road construction was done with an outlay of Rs 363 crore. Once the spent amount is recovered, the toll fee will come down by 40 % said sources.
Presently school buses, vehicles of the president of India, prime minister of India, legislators and some government officers including the chief secretary are exempted from paying toll charges. But the toll collectors can offer concessions at their discretion.
Toll charges
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. One can get 50 appearance pass for Rs 1,510 also (for one month)
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 50 appearance pass for Rs 2435 also. (for one month).
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. One can get 50 appearance pass for Rs 5105. (for one month).
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. One can get 50 appearance pass for Rs 5565. (for one month).
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. One can get 50 appearance pass for Rs 8000. (for one month).
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 50 appearance pass for Rs 9740. (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 like a vehicle which travels 50 times in a month after paying the charges will get 33% discount.
10 times the specified charges will be collected from the vehicles that have carried more weight than the allowed weight. Even after paying the charges, excess weight will be emptied from the vehicle.
This toll gate will function here till a toll collection gate at Hejamady becomes functional. Then fees will change or a different module will be introduced, said sources at the NITK plaza.