JOIN USChief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he had spoken to Union Surface Transport Minister Oscar Fernandes seeking the intervention of the Centre and the National Highway Authority of India to bring down the toll rates on the Bellary Road stretch leading to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and also provide concessions in toll charges for nearby villagers.
Siddaramaiah told reporters that Fernandes had given him a favourable response and that he would convene a meeting shortly.
The multifold increase of toll rates along the airport road had led to widespread protests.
The CM said the government would ensure that the construction of service roads was made mandatory alongside all tolled stretches.
Besides, no toll charges should be levied on villagers residing in a 5-km radius of the toll road, he added.
He said Navayuga Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, which is maintaining the toll road leading to KIA, had agreed to provide concessional passes of Rs 220 per month for using the toll by villagers residing in a radius of 40 kilometres.