Even before the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi commenced its indefinite dharna, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel wrote to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to stop toll collection at NITK-Surathkal as well as Brahmarakootlu Toll Plaza.
In his September 22 letter to Mr. Gadkari, the MP has noted that toll collection for New Mangalore Port Connectivity Road project between B.C. Road and Surathkal started in December 2013 at Brahmarakootlu near B.C. Road and in December 2015 at Surathkal.
However, there are three toll plazas within a 20-km distance on National Highway 66, at Talapady, Surathkal and Hejmady, Mr. Kateel noted. The existing four-lane highway is insufficient to carry the present volume of traffic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Moreover, the NHAI has failed to provide required infrastructure, like overpasses or underpasses or flyovers at major junctions, including Honnakatte and NMPT. There are no public amenities such as rest areas, toilets and truck parks along the stretch. The stretch also lacks service roads and drainages.
In the light of lack of facilities and public outcry against toll collection, the Ministry should direct NHAI to immediately stop toll collection, Mr. Kateel has urged the Minister.