Special Correspondent

Panaji, Nov 15: Goa has asked for special consideration from the Union Road Transport ministry to ensure that the highway expansion do not pinch pockets of common men.

State Chief Minister Digamber Kamat on Sunday November 14 said that he has asked the union road transport ministry to give special consideration for Goa as far as toll for the locals is concerned.

“I have demanded with the union ministry that toll within 40 kms radius from the toll booth should not be charged for the locals,” Kamat said adding that if this happens almost 80 per cent of the people will be saved from paying the toll.

The chief minister said that as per Highway rules; the toll within 20 kms radius of the toll booth is exempted. “But I have demanded that the radius should be extended to 40 kms for Goa,” Kamat said.

Locals have expressed their apprehensions over the exorbitant toll that they will have to shell out once highways are expanded.

National highway diversion action committee has decided to chalk out an extensive agitation plan from November 22 onwards opposing the current alignment of the highway.

Kamat said that maximum efforts are made to give relief to the locals. “I have also suggested that monthly pass as low as Rs 150 should be worked out for Goa so that regular travelers need not pay more.

The chief minister said that he has written a letter to Union Road Transport Ministry listing the suggestions. “I have even discussed this issue with union minister Kamal Nath,” he added.