Udupi - Sasthana Toll: Assurance of exemption for local vehicles

Udupi: The district administration and MP Kota Srinivas Poojary have asked the NHAI to exempt the local vehicles from toll charges at the Sasthana toll gate.

Presiding over a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to discuss toll exemptions for local vehicles, the MP emphasized the need to alleviate the financial burden on locals.

The Sasthana toll gate, situated within the Saligrama Panchayat limits, affects residents who frequently cross the toll for daily activities. MP Srinivas Poojary advocated for exempting private and small commercial vehicles belonging to locals in the Kota Zilla Panchayat jurisdiction from toll fees.

Complete Santhekatte Underpass Work by January 7

He also instructed highway officials and contractors to ensure the underpass work near Santhekatte is completed by January 7 to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.

Install Traffic Signboards

Highlighting the rise in accidents due to unscientific road construction, he directed the installation of service roads, streetlights, and proper signboards at junctions. He also called for repairs of potholes to ensure safer travel.

Monthly Pass for Tippers

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari clarified that 34 local tippers in Sasthana could avail a monthly pass for Rs 6,705, allowing unlimited trips through the toll gate. Earlier, only 50 trips were permitted. She further stated that toll collection for earthmovers, except for buses, lorries, and JCBs exceeding 7.5 tons, has been authorized.

Lengthy Discussions Yield Results

The Kota Zilla Panchayat jurisdiction has 1,752 vehicles, including 421 cars and 182 lorry tippers, making 12,616 trips. Locals had demanded toll exemptions for these vehicles. However, contractors argued it would result in a monthly revenue loss of Rs 26 lakh. After multiple discussions, an agreement was reached.

Key Participants

MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gurme Suresh Shetty, District Superintendent of Police Dr. K. Arun, NHAI officials, tahsildars Pratibha and Srikanth, contractors, and public representatives attended the meeting.

Bandh Call Withdrawn

Following the assurances, the bandh called by the Sasthana Rashtreeya Heddari Jagruti Samiti in the Kota Zilla Panchayat area on December 31 has been withdrawn. The district administration and the highway maintenance company have addressed most demands, stated committee president Shyam Sundar Nayari.

Hejamadi Toll Update

Authorities have agreed to continue the earlier exemption for vehicles within a 1 km radius of the Hejamadi toll gate.