Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Apr 1: The installation of Belman toll gate, which made waves two years ago and died down eventually, is revived again.

Huge protests and objection was raised for the installation of toll gate at Belman market on state highway one on Karkala-Padubidri stretch. The matter which was dropped due to the objection, has sprang to life again.

Rumours are rife that toll gates will open on 10 state highways including Karkala-Padubidri and scrutinization of bids submitted by private companies to collect toll is in progress.

According to the information that is making rounds, toll collection will begin on Padubidri-Karkala, Gubbi-Chandrashekharapura, Yediyoor, Kaundli-Mandya, Hanagal-Tadasa Road, Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Hanagal, Tintani-Devadurga-Kalmala, Savadatti-Badami-Kamatagi, Ballary-Moka, Davanagere-Birur and Koodligi-Sandoor-Thoranagal.

Karnataka State Highways Improvement Project (KSHIP) is constructing 31 state highways throughout Karnataka. Out of this, four are public-private partnerships and toll is already being collected on these.

Mitra Info Solution company of Mysuru had bagged the contract to collect toll at Belman and had arrived at Belman for survey earlier. Once they withdrew, an agency of Kundapur origin began to survey the area. Another company had conducted survey from a hotel in Belman. A fourth company had resorted to survey at Kanchinadka near Padubidri but back tracked after mammoth protest by locals.

Chaos is prevailing over the statement given by union minister for highways and transport Nitin Gadkari. In a recent statement, Gadkari said that only one toll gate will be installed for every 60 km of highway and additional toll booths will be closed in three months’ time. However, if the Belman toll gate is installed, then there will be three toll gates between Karkala and Mangaluru. The Belman toll gate matter, which has suddenly come alive has caused confusion among the public and made to doubt the statement given by Gadkari.

Minister Sunil Kumar said, “Our aim is to provide good roads. No achievement is possible by installing toll gates. We do not have any plans of putting one more toll gate.”

Nandalike Suhas Hegde, president of protest committee, said, “There is no change in our stand. Installation of toll gate at Belman or nearby areas will never be allowed. We will never allow this to happen.”