Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SS)

Mangaluru, Nov 15: Following a long-running campaign from the public and like-minded organisations, the Surathkal toll gate has stopped collecting toll charges.

However, in a notification dated November 11, the Union Surface Transport and Highways ministry has directed Navayuga Company to collect the toll charges at Hejamady henceforth. Motorists will now have to pay toll charges at Hejamady toll gate on NH-66 after traversing a distance of 18.36 kilometres from Nanthuru-Surathkal and on NH-75 from Nanthuru Junction to Padil.

The Centre has withdrawn the collection of toll charges only at Mukka but has not stopped collecting tolls on the highway. The notification does not mention removal (cancellation) of toll gate or merger of toll gates.

According to information available as per the gazette notification some more aspects are likely to be added. The final notification is likely to be published within a day or two.

Only after the Centre's gazette notification is received, the deputy commissioner is likely to issue an order on collection of toll charges. The toll plaza at Mukka will cease to exist only after the notification is received, it is learnt.

According to NHAI sources, the collection of toll charges at Mukka will be merged with the Hejamady toll gate.