Friday, March 2, 2012

Protest against Toll Collection


Activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) laid siege to the Kundanoor-Thevara toll bridge on Friday morning in protest against the pathetic condition of the bridge. The agitation follows the Public Work Department not repairing the potholes and gaps in the expansion joints over the 1.8 Kilometer bridge. Apart from providing a back-breaking ride for motorists, the ill-maintained bridge is causing many accidents. Motorists are still, however, forced to pay toll at the two toll booths.   

The PWD has not acted despite repeated demands by different organisations. There is an ongoing dispute over the collection of heavy amounts as toll from motorists, with organisations like the DYFI alleging that the toll period expired years ago. 

If we closely watch the condition of the roads especially in which toll is collecting, we can observe the authorities either the PWD of the toll collecting agencies are not taking much care about the poor condition of the roads. They are concentrating only to collect toll from the vehicle owners. This system should be changed. There should be a stipulation while opening a new bridge in BOT basis, who will be responsible for the future repair works. At present there may not be no such stipulation and hence the toll collecting authorities are not taken care of the poor condition of the road. This should be changed.

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