Taxi drivers threaten stir over toll on road to BIA

However, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has decided to put up a stiff resistance to the NHAI’s move. The AIMTC has threatened to launch an indefinite strike from the midnight of April 17, if the authorities concerned do not roll back the toll by then. The tourist taxi operators will also extend their support to the strike.

The NHAI has already constructed toll booths at Sadarahalli Gate near the Trumpet flyover leading to the airport.

“We want to make the most of the vehicles heading towards the airport,” said NHAI officials. The rates will be as per the National Highway Fees (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

According to that a car will have to pay Rs 20 to Rs 25 for one way, sources said. During dry runs, the toll collection agency will monitor the time taken by vehicles to pass through the booth and also the impact of traffic jams on the movement of vehicles.

“Collecting toll is nothing short of robbery. It will cause great inconvenience to taxi operators,” said members of the AIMTC.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association General Secretary, Radhakrishna Holla, said taxi drivers and owners of other vehicles were being charged unfairly, as they were already paying cess and road tax to the State government.

“As more than four lakh Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) ply on this stretch, it is going to be a burden on motorists as they will have to shell out more now,” he rued.

The Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association, Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association, Bangalore Airport KSTDC Drivers’ Welfare Association and Karnataka Tourist Maxicab Owners Association have all opposed the toll.