Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 20: Surathkal toll gate had been set up near NITK by violating highway rules. There have been repeated promises to either merge or close the toll gate during the last several years. However, it is learnt that the toll gate contract has been extended by three months.

A K Construction company, with its ownership vested with some people from Uttar Pradesh, has got contract to collect toll charges for three months.

The toll gate here faces a hell lot of problems. There are no toilets, no resting place for vehicle drivers and the new contractor has not provided uniforms to the staff.

Surathkal toll gate (file photo)

Even though the rules say that the minimum distance between two toll gates should be 60 km, in this case, the NITK Surathkal toll gate is just 11 km away from Hejamady toll gate. This was imposed forcibly in the face of stiff resistance from the locals. Even though repeated protests were held, this toll gate, set up in 2014, continues to be operated.