Notwithstanding the vehement opposition to the setting up of a toll plaza in the Kanuparthipadu area in the city limits, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is said to have decided to go ahead with its plans to collect toll on the NH5 here soon.
As the fallout, leaders of different organisations and political parties staged a protest here on Monday, seeking immediate withdrawal of such move. The infrastructure needed for the toll plaza was in place and the toll collection began on March 24. However, it was stopped in view of the intervention of the leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
People’s organisations argue that the toll plaza can’t be allowed within the city limits according to the rules related to toll collection. Moreover, a toll plaza is already in place near Venkatachalam, which is hardly 15 km away from the city limits. Meanwhile, the NHAI authorities have their own reservations on this issue. The entire stretch from Tada to Kavali is being developed into a six-lane highway. The Kanuparthipadu toll gate is being erected for this project and there can be no relief in this regard, they say.
The officials have also reportedly made it clear that withdrawal of the toll collection at this junction is temporary as development of the highway is not possible without raising funds to meet the cost. With the pressure mounting, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana has asked B. Sam Bob, Principal Secretary of Roads and Buildings Department, to take up the issue with the Centre and ensure that there is no toll plaza near the Nellore city. The Minister is apparently keen on development of the NH without levy of toll as for now.
Setting up of toll plaza within city limits is against rules, argue People’s organisations
Development of the NH5 is not possible without raising funds, say NHAI officials
