Activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) laid siege to the Kundanoor-Thevara toll bridge on Friday morning in protest against the pathetic condition of the bridge.
The agitation follows the PWD (NH Wing) not repairing the potholes and gaps in the expansion joints over the 1.8-km bridge. Apart from providing a back-breaking ride for motorists, the ill-maintained bridge is causing many accidents. Motorists are still, however, forced to pay toll at the two toll booths. The DYFI siege was inaugurated by the Marad local secretary of the CPI(M) P.V. Sasi. DYFI's Marad regional secretary Bishal Varghese presided.
Inaction
“The PWD has not acted despite repeated demands by different organisations. Our demands include urgent resurfacing of the bridge and an end to toll collection. We understand that the bridge's resurfacing has been kept in abeyance at the behest of the toll contractor,” Mr. Varghese said.
There is an ongoing dispute over the collection of heavy amounts as toll from motorists, with organisations like the DYFI alleging that the toll period expired years ago.
