Newskarnataka-Bantwal
Bantwal: The toll plaza on the National Highway 75 at Brahmarakootlu which is scheduled to function from December 5, Thursday, has hit a roadblock with several organisations including political parties raising objection to the same. Various protests have also been chalked out against the toll collection, on Thursday.
As per the National Highway rules the toll plaza at Brahmarakootlu has started functioning from December 4, Thursday midnight. Motorists will have to pay tolls at two toll gates in a 4 km stretch upto the Panemangalore Netravathi Bridge.
If the toll plaza at Brahmarakootlu is newly opened, the decision of the authorities to continue the toll gate at Panemangalore which has been functioning since 10 years, has given room for much debate.
The NH Department which had earlier stated that it would stop the Panemangalore toll gate once the Brahmarakootlu toll plaza starts functioning, has now changed tune. Its decision to collect toll at both the places has invited the ire of various organisations. That too the plans to collect toll even when the works on the Suratkal BC Road stretch are complete, has also been questioned by many.
Preparations complete: The NH Department has made all arrangements for toll collection at Brahmarakootlu and road humps have also been set up nearby to check the speed of vehicles. The Toll Plaza will have an office room and also there are arrangements for separate lavatories for men and women.
Different highways: It is learnt the number of the national Highway will also change once the Brahmarakootlu toll plaza starts functioning. If the Suratkal-BC Road four lane stretches will be NH 75, the BC Road- Hassan stretch will be NH 73. Already boards have been put up in this regard and sources said as the two are different highways, toll will be collected at both places.
Protests planned: The Bantwal unit of the BJP, SDPI and the DK District Tourist Car and Van Drivers Association which have opposed the move have decided to hold protests.
Former ZP Vice President Tungappa Bangera who is unhappy with the decision to continue the Panemangalore toll booth too, has decided to stage a dharna at Panemangalore today.
The BJP has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner urging for steps to collect toll at only one point. Even the SDPI has planned a protest on Thursday.
The Tourist Car and Van Drivers Association will be holding a protest on December 10 urging the authorities to collect toll at only one point.
Former MLA Padmanabha Kottari too has urged the authorities against fleecing the public on the pretext of toll collection and demanded that toll be collected at only one point.