Shreyas H S
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, May 16: Despite protests and altercations with the district unit of the Aam Admi Party (AAP), the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) went ahead with its plans and introduced a revised fee at Brahmarakootlu toll booth from midnight on Wednesday May 14. The authority was quick to act on the new fee structure after deputy commissioner of Mangalore A B Ibrahim withdrew the letter instructing stalling of new rates due to the election code of conduct.
Last month, when the NHAI wanted to hike the toll fee, the AAP members had protested and the DC had then issued orders to revoke the hike. But now that the election code of conduct has been relaxed, the NHAI has enforced the new rates.
However, AAP leader M R Vasudeva, speaking on the new fee structure, said that the move was anticipated and the issue would be addressed at a national level. “The party will legally deal with the policy of the NHAI that mandates the revision of the fee structure annually. We have to fight a legal battle as the NHAI has the power to do this,” he added.
While light vehicles have to pay Rs 30 for a two-way journey, light commercial or goods vehicles will have to pay Rs 50. For a one-way journey the fees are fixed at Rs 20 and Rs 35 for these categories, respectively. On the other hand, buses and trucks will be charged Rs 70 (one-way) and Rs 110 (two-way). Three-axle commercial vehicles and multi-axle vehicles are required to pay Rs 80 and Rs 115 for one-way journeys and Rs 120 and Rs 170 respectively, for a two-way trip.
NHAI project director Sriram Mishra, speaking to Daijiworld, said, “It is mandatory for the NHAI to revise the toll fee annually. The new rates were supposed to come into effect on April 1, the beginning of the financial year. But as the NHAI received orders from the deputy commissioner, also the election officer of the district, the decision was stalled until the letter was withdrawn by the DC.
“As elections in the district have been completed, the code of conduct was partially relaxed that allowed the NHAI to bring the new rates into effect. Vehicles plying from May 14 are required to pay the new rates,” he added.