Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Nov 28: “Preparations by the union government and national highway authority for collection of toll through FASTag on highway toll gates without providing any facilities is condemnable,” stated district Congress spokesperson Bhasker Rao Kidiyoor.

“Cancellation of exemption from payment of toll for local vehicles with the installation of FASTag has made the problem for local residents acute. Local administration needs to respond to the demands of local people. The statement by national highway authority that twice the toll amount will be charged to those without FASTag and provision of only one gate for cash payment from December 1 has multiplied the problem. The fear of double toll and a single gate increasing the congestion may make the issue complex. Vehicles could travel for 24 hours and payment of two way toll was made possible so far. Travellers are likely to be deprived of the facility after this.”

“There is no doubt that FASTag will increase the income of the authority by three or four folds. The authority is preparing to cut the pockets of ordinary people without considering their wellbeing. A certain amount will have to be maintained in the bank account when FASTag toll payment is linked to bank account,”

“More than 15 crores vehicles may be in operation in the country. There is no doubt that banks will get capital when everybody gets registered to FASTag. National highway authority which has taken the initiative on FASTag implementation has not taken interest in providing basic facilities and construction of service bus stand. Though people protested that there is another toll gate just 36 kilometres away from Surathkal toll center, the highway authority has not responded. MPs of Udupi or Mangaluru have shown no interest about real issues on national highway or toll gate.”

“This is an example for anti-people policies of the union government,” he stated in the press release.