The indefinite dharna opposing toll collection at NITK-Surathkal toll plaza by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its decision to close down Kuloor old bridge entered the fourth day on Thursday.
The Tollgate Virodhi Horata Samiti said the protest will continue till the issue is taken to its logical end. It also learnt that the NHAI has renewed the toll collection contract for Surathkal plaza for another year.
District in-charge Minister U.T. Khader, who is on an election campaign in Ballari, spoke to samiti leader Muneer Katipalla over phone and expressed his concern over the issue. Meanwhile, Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner C. Ravichandra Nayak visited the dharna venue on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner and heard the woes.
Addressing the gathering, former Deputy Mayor Purushottam Chitrapura said the movement is bound to succeed, though belatedly. The MP has been mute to public outcry and he would face the consequences in the coming elections. Mr. Katipalla said there was a ray of hope for the protest as the Minister had called and the district administration had heard the grievances.
Renewal of toll collection contract despite public outcry is against rules and has again exposed Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, Mr. Katipalla said.