Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Dec 29: “Approximately Rs 400 crores has been collected as toll at Surathkal toll gate during the last seven years. Out of that only Rs 250 crores had been utilised to construct the road. The double engine government is collecting money this way for which the MP and MLAs here are directly responsible,” said Munir Katipalla.
Addressing protesters in front of the taluk office in Bannanje on Thursday, December 29 he urged the National Highway Authority of India officials to permanently withdraw the orders of the highway authority to collect the illegal toll of closed Surathkal toll gate at Hejmady toll gate and to declare Surathkal Nantur highway as toll free.
Members of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi toll gate Virodhi Horata Samithi and various other organizations staged protests in front of taluk office against the double levy of toll at the Hejamady.
“Though the government called several meetings regarding vacating of Surathkal toll gate, the irresponsible MP and the MLAs in the twin districts did not participate in them and instead of stopping the collection of toll at Surathkal it has been merged with the Hejmady toll gate. The collection of toll has been postponed temporarily as elections are approaching. But the people are anxious that the collection of Surathkal toll is likely to be resumed after the elections. Large scale protests will be held in the future if that happens,” he said.
Congress block president Ramesh Kanchan said that the collection of toll has been suspended for the time being. “Rnergy minister Sunil Kumar has released a statement that tolls will not be collected at Hejmady from vehicles with Udupi registration numbers. It should be converted into an order. Protests will be held if otherwise,” he said.
“People of both the districts need to raise their voices to permanently withdraw the order to collect Surathkal toll at Hejmady. The discrepancies that have occurred due to the irresponsibility of MP and the MLAs need to be set right,” he said.
There were heated arguments between the protesters and the police personnel at this juncture. Slogans against the MP and MLAs of the twin districts were raised throughout the protests.
Fr Martis. Shanker Kunder, Vaman Bangera, Faniraj, former president of the municipal council Anandi, Sunder Master, Nagesh Udyavar, Kushal Shetty, leaders of various organisations and people took part in the protests.