Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Dec 21: Drivers and vehicle owners staged a protest on Friday against the reinstatement of toll charges for local commercial vehicles at the Sastan toll plaza.

When the toll plaza began operations in 2017, charges were initially applied to local commercial vehicles. However, following protests by locals, toll charges were waived for vehicles registered under the Kota zilla panchayat section for the past seven years. This exemption was rescinded on Friday, and toll fees were reintroduced for local commercial vehicles with yellow registration plates.

The change sparked outrage among local commercial vehicle drivers and owners, who protested at noon by blocking the two designated lanes for such vehicles. Toll plaza officials, however, justified the decision by citing financial losses due to the exemption. The protest escalated, leading toll gate personnel to agree to a one-day reprieve, prompting protesters to temporarily call off their agitation.

The protesters firmly stated, “Charging toll for local commercial vehicles is unacceptable under any circumstances. The waiver must be reinstated as it was before. Locals, along with vehicle drivers and owners, plan to discuss the issue with the MP. If the toll plaza management does not revise its stance, further protests are inevitable.”