Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Feb 27: According to NHAI, one toll gate should be at a distance of minimum 60 km from another toll gate. However, the distance from NITK toll gate to Suratkal is just 38 km! IRCON made the four way road from Suratkal to Bantwal and gave it to NHAI, which collects toll on a contract basis.
The Hejamady-Talapady highway was built by Navayug under BOT (Built Operating Transfer) agreement. The distance between Suratkal and Brahmarakootlu tollgates is just 30 km. The toll is collected at both the places and the district administration is least concerned.
Social worker Dilraj Alva had sought information from NHAI about Suratkal toll gate. He was shocked to know that the list of toll gates given by NHAI does not have the name of Suratkal at all! This means that Suratkal toll is functioning illegally. Lakhs of rupees are collected here on a daily basis.
When Hejmady toll gate started, Suratkal toll gate was started with an agreement of closing it down. Decision was taken to close the Suratkal toll gate and merge it with Hejmady toll gate. The state government also gave its approval for the same. However, even after three years, the toll collection is going on unabatedly.
Protesters who want the Suratkal toll gate to be removed say that the contractor’s lobby is working behind the unabated collection of toll.
The road that belongs to the toll gate should be maintained properly. Street lights, drinking water and resting places should be provided. However, none of this is implemented.
The public is protesting for a year for the permanent closure of Suratkal toll gate. However, the officials concerned and district administration are quiet. Social worker Asif also protested in a unique style for justice and was detained. This has become a hard nut to crack for the district administration.
Social worker Dilraj Alva had sought information from NHAI with regard to the cost incurred on the four lane road from Suratkal to Bantwal and the toll that has been collected so far. But NHAI Mangaluru division has reportedly not given any reply.