Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 22: The union government has renewed the contract relating to Suratkal toll plaza. M/s Keshava & Co, to which the new contract has been allotted, has begun toll collection. Issues like hike in toll charges, concessions for locals etc will be discussed and sorted out between the local administration and officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The earlier contract had ended on November 16, and local people had resisted the proposal to renew toll collection contract. Many prominent personalities and people's representatives had together launched a strong protest against the tollgate and had demanded its closure. Local MP and MLAs too had written to the central government, urging to close this tollgate as tollgates are functioning on both sides of the highway within a short distance.
But NHAI, without taking the protesters seriously, has renewed the contract. In all probability, new toll rates might be fixed shortly. The toll list for the year 2018 - 19 has been received by the contractors, and it is pending consideration by NHAI. The list was finalized at the meeting of NHAI officials on Wednesday.
As per the new list, light vehicles will get monthly passes at Rs 1,670 for 50 trips, medium vehicles will get the same at Rs 2,695, while trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles will have to pay Rs 5,650. For 3 axle vehicles, the rate has been fixed at Rs 8,860.
For cars the toll charges are Rs 75 for two-way plying, Rs 120 for medium vehicles, Rs 255 for trucks and buses, and Rs 400 for heavy vehicles. The new contractors propose to extend 50 percent concession to local vehicles on hire, but the owners and drivers of local vehicles are resisting this proposal.
The toll charges at the Brahmarakootlu toll plaza has been fixed for cars at Rs 800 per month for 50 trips, Rs 1,295 for medium vehicles, Rs 2,710 for buses, trucks and heavy vehicles, Rs 6,165 for 3 axle vehicles, Rs 2,960 for vehicles carrying heavy machinery, Rs 35 for two-way trip in respect of cars, Rs 60 for medium vehicles, Rs 120 for trucks, buses etc and Rs 190 for other heavy vehicles.