Kota: Protest erupts over toll fee imposed on local commercial vehicles at Sasthan Toll Plaza

Kota: The local vehicle owners and drivers protested at the Sasthan Toll Plaza in Kota, opposing the withdrawal of toll fee exemptions previously granted to local commercial vehicles.

When the toll plaza commenced operations in 2017, there were attempts to levy tolls on local commercial and non-commercial vehicles. However, following protests by local residents, exemptions were granted for vehicles from the Kota Gram Panchayat area, which remained in effect for seven years.

On Friday morning, the toll plaza began charging vehicles with yellow license plates, marking local commercial vehicles. By afternoon, discontent among vehicle owners and drivers grew, leading to the protest.

Local drivers blocked the toll gates on both sides of the plaza, staging a two-hour demonstration. Despite their opposition, toll officials maintained that waiving the fees was causing financial losses and ruled out any relaxation of the decision.

As the protest intensified, toll management offered a one-day grace period to address the concerns. This temporarily diffused the situation, and the protest was called off.

Call for dialogue

Protesters emphasized that imposing toll fees on locals without prior consultation was unjust and demanded the reinstatement of the earlier exemptions. They urged local representatives, including the Member of Parliament, to mediate and negotiate with toll authorities.

Protest leaders warned that if the toll operators fail to reconsider their decision, further organized demonstrations would be inevitable.

Authorities present

The protest was overseen by Brahmavar Police Circle Inspector Diwakar, Kota Station Officer Raghavendra, and Crime Division Officer Sudha Prabhu, ensuring that the demonstration remained peaceful.

The issue remains unresolved, with locals determined to pursue their demands for toll fee exemptions.