Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Oscar Fernandes, had assured him that the demand to reduce the toll at the Sadahalli Gate on Bangalore-Bellary Road would be considered.
Speaking to presspersons after chairing a high-level meeting at his home office here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to Mr. Fernandes following the widespread uproar over the steep hike in the toll fee, and had urged him to reduce the toll .“The Union Minister said he will consider the request to reduce the fee after holding a meeting with the officials of the National Highways Authority of India.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that the State government had little to do with what the toll should be as the road belonged to the NHAI. However, the government has urged the NHAI to provide service roads for the benefit of the local population. While people residing in villages within 40-km radius of the toll plaza would get monthly concession passes at Rs. 220, those residing within 5-km radius need not pay any toll, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
