Toll Gate at Surathkal Opened Five Year Ago on temporary Basis: Should it be Renewed?

October 28: The toll gate at Surathkal was initially opened five years ago on a temporary basis for six months. However, it is still being continued even after five years ignoring the objections of people. After several protests by people the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had taken a decision to merge the Surathkal toll gate with the one at Hejmady in Udupi. The present contract to collect toll on NH-66 at Surathkal ends on November 15.
An action committee comprising leaders from various political parties and organisations have demanded that the contract to collect toll on NH-66 at Surathkal should not be renewed.
A delegation of action committee including Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samiti convener Muneer Katipalla, former MLA Vijaya Kumar Shetty, Nagarika Samiti Kulayi president Bharath Shetty, secretary Gangadhara Bhanjan and DYFI leader Santhosh Bajal submitted a memorandum to NHAI project director Shishu Mohan.
Muneer said that the contract to collect toll at Surathkal near Mukka ends on November 15 and the action committee has warned of protests if contract for toll plaza, which was opened on a temporary basis, is renewed.
Muneer said that the NHAI should vacate the toll plaza from Surathkal and fill all potholes on the national highway. At the same time, a bridge at Kuloor is not safe for traffic movement hence a new bridge should be constructed, Muneer added.