Raghupathi Bhat opposes collection of tolls till the completion of works in NHs

Udupi: MLA Raghupathi Bhat has expressed his distress on the implementation of the FASTag system in Udupi without the completion of work on the National highway.

The central government has issued a mandatory FASTag for four-wheelers starting January 1.

Raghupathi Bhat informed that the center didn’t seek opinions from MLAs and MPs before passing the order. He further added that the works at Padubidri and Shastri Circle are still pending and that the situation shouldn’t end up like the Pumpwell toll.

He recalled that the local vehicles within the radius of five kilometers were exempted from payment of toll after various protests and discussions. He strongly objected to the collection of tolls from January 1 and added that he doesn’t know the view of the deputy commissioner who ordered the collection of toll.

On creating job opportunities, the MLA said that local people must be given jobs in the toll centers and informed that he doesn’t oppose employing Hindi-speaking people but does hope that the locals are given priority.

MLA was adamant on not collecting the tolls till the road works were completed.

Speaking about the Gram Panchayat elections, he said that 14 out of 19-gram panchayats in the Vidhan Sabha Constituency will be ours (BJP) and thanked the voters who supported BJP.