Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 8: City buses on Wednesday June 7 staged flash protest on the spot by blocking the path at the tollgate for about an hour on Wednesday June 7, after verbal friction ensued between the staff manning the toll plaza and staff of city buses over collection of toll charges from city buses.

Ullal police who intervened in the matter, succeeded in sorting out the issue and clearing the traffic block.

City and local buses plying between the city and Talapady had been exempted from payment of toll charges at Talapady tollgate which had become operational during January this year. The exemption was extended on the basis of an order issued by the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district to this affect, after holding discussions with National Highways Authority of India and Navayuga company, which operates the tollgate.

However, Shiva, who took over as manager of Talapady tollgate on Wednesday, asked his staff to levy toll charges even on private city buses. In the afternoon, the staff at the tollgate demanded for payment of toll charges from the bus staff. As arguments continued over toll for about an hour, passengers got stuck at the tollgate.

Police personnel from Ullal station then arrived at the spot and took the manager of the tollgate to task. After they instructed the people at the gate not to collect toll charges till they receive any authorized communication on the issue, the bus staff withdrew their protest after which the traffic on the highway was eased.