Virodhi Horata Samithi opposes construction of toll plaza at Suralpady on NH 169

Mangaluru: Members of the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi have alleged that the construction of the Suralpady toll plaza is against the rulesas the gates being built are in blatant violation of mandatory distance norms.

With construction at the final stage, a delegation of the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi comprising leaders of various organisations, visited the Ganjimutt–Sooralpady proposed toll plaza to inspect compliance with rules.

The Samithi convener Muneer Katipalla observed that the rule mandating a minimum distance of 60 km between two toll gates is being completely ignored in the construction of the new toll plaza.

"The Ganjimutt toll plaza is located only 33 km from the Brahmarakootlu toll gate and 34 km from the Talapady toll gate. It is also just 44 km away from the Hejamadi toll gate. As per the norms by the National Highways Authority, toll collection centres cannot be set up at such short distances," the Samithi alleged that the construction of the Ganjimutt–Sooralpady toll gate is a violation of rules and will enable the exploitation of commuters.

It stated that any attempt to open the toll plaza without providing information to the public or holding a public hearing will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Similarly, toll plazas are under construction at Valalu near Uppinangady and at Panapila on the Belthangady Road, in addition to Ganjimutt–Suralpady . This will result in six toll gates collecting toll in the district. The Samithi expressed concern that this would create a frightening situation for motorists on national highways. The Valalu and Panapila toll plazas too are being constructed in complete violation of distance norms. While the Valalu toll plaza is only 35 km from the Brahmarakootlu toll gate, the Panapila toll plaza near Madanthyar is just 27 km away. None of these toll gates even come close to the stipulated 60 km distance norm, the Samithi pointed out.

If these toll gates begin operations, travelling on the district's highways will become as challenging for the motorists as breaking a 'Chakravyuha', the Samithi warned. People may even fear travelling on the highways. This situation will also adversely affect trade and industry in the district, it said.

Despite the seriousness of the issue, it is surprising that the district's MP and MLAs have shown no concern, the Samithi said, alleging that elected representatives are giving silent consent for the construction of illegal toll gates.

The Samithi demanded the district administration and the National Highways Authority of India to convene a public hearing involving citizens in the presence of MP and MLAs, take strict measures to enforce distance norms in toll gate installations, and ensure full compliance with rules.

Katipalla warned that if the authorities remain indifferent, Toll Virodhi Samithi will be formed at all toll gates in the district in March and simultaneous padayatras will be organised to the National Highways Authority of India office.

Speaker to bring the issue to District In-charge minister

To a query on locals opposing the toll plaza, Assembly Speaker U T Khader said that he will bring the issue to the notice of the District In-charge minister. "The local MLAs and MP should take up the issue and give clarity about it to the citizens."