Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Feb 21: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was recently under fire for not speaking out on the issue of toll collection, has now asked the officials concerned to postpone the decision on collection of toll from local vehicles from Hejmady to Kundapur until the meeting with the state chief secretary.

Speaking in a meeting chaired by her at the office of the deputy commissioner on Tuesday February 21, Shobha said that it was not right to pass an order toll collection without taking the people into confidence. "The procedure adopted by Navyuga company in not allowing people to move freely without completing the service road is not correct," she said.

The officials of the national highway authority said that the toll collection orders have been passed as per the agreement with the government. The MP however reiterated that no toll should be collected from the locals until the state chief secretary calls for a meeting in this connection.

Deputy commissioner T Venkatesh asked the concerned to complete the pending works soon. There were detailed discussions regarding changes pertaining to the works.

Kundapur sub-divisional official Shilpa Nag, additional SP Vishnuvardhan, deputy commissioner in charge, Anuradha, RTO and police officials of various sections were present.

The issue of toll collection at Hejamady and Gundmi rocked Udupi earlier this month. After severe protests, toll collection from KA 20 vehicles was suspended until February 25.