'Announce official date for closure of Suratkal toll plaza'

Mangaluru: The Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samiti has warned of staging a protest in front of the Suratkal toll gate on September 13 if the district administration or the NHAI fails to make an official announcement about the closure of the toll plaza.

Pointing out that earlier too authorities, including local representatives, had made assurances about the closure of the Suratkal toll plaza, DYFI activist Muneer Katipalla said that people do not believe in these assurances anymore.

At the Disha meeting held recently, the NHAI had said that the toll gate would be closed in a month’s time. While their statement is welcomed, the district administration or the NHAI should announce the official date for the closure of the toll plaza.

Further, Katipalla added that the toll plaza was erected here for a temporary period of six months but has been operational for six years. Efforts are on to curtail the protests by giving false assurance of closing the toll plaza, he added.

“The toll plaza are operating at Brahmakootlu and Suratkal from BC Road to Mukka and has so far collected Rs 450 crores. The authorities have earned more than they invested in the highway. They should not resort to hiking toll tariffs at Talapadi or Hejamadi toll plazas once the Suratkal toll gate is closed. Also, the authorities must take steps to close the potholes and install street lights on the highway,” he said.