Date for beginning revised toll collection at Hejamady not yet decided: Udupi DC

Manipal: The date of collecting revised user charges at Hejamady after the merger of Surathkal toll plaza, notified by the Union government, has not been decided, Udupi Deputy Commissioner M Kurma Rao said.

Further, the DC said that adequate security will be provided at Hejamady Toll Plaza as requested by the NHAI officials.

Speaking at a press conference, Rao said that people’s representatives have objected to the hike in toll rates. However, the administration is yet to get any formal complaints or objections so far. A meeting of the stakeholders will be called soon, he added.

NHAI has to inform the local and district administration before starting the collection of revised charges at Hejamady, he said, and added that the instructions of the Union government will be followed.

Reacting to the protest called Tollgate Virodhi Samiti at Hejamady, The DC said that there is no objection to holding a peaceful democratic protest. However, closing the highway, destroying public property, etc cannot be permitted. “We will take strict legal actions against such persons,” he added.

Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hakay Akshay Machindra said that the police personnel have been given instructions on security arrangements.