Kota: Protest at Sasthan Toll opposes charges on local commercial vehicles

Team Udayavani, Dec 23, 2024, 11:27 AM IST

Kota: A protest was held under the leadership of the Highway Awareness Committee at the Sasthan Toll Gate in Kota, opposing the imposition of toll fees on local commercial vehicles.

With the participation of MP Kota Srinivas Poojari, the protesters demanded that the earlier exemption for all vehicles within the Kota Gram Panchayat limits be reinstated. Following discussions, a decision was made to maintain the status quo until December 30.

Talks led by Assistant Commissioner

As the protest escalated, Kundapur Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Chandra arrived at the site and held discussions with the protesters and the MP. It was decided that a meeting would be conducted under the Deputy Commissioner’s leadership on December 30. Until then, the current status quo would remain in place.

The protesters alleged that the toll company had failed to comply with the rule mandating the construction of service roads on both sides for local vehicles. The MP assured that if exemptions were not granted, they would push for the immediate construction of service roads.

Prominent members of the Highway Awareness Committee, including Shyam Sundar Nayari, Pratap Shetty, Vitthal Poojary, Nagaraj Ganiga, Ganesh Poojari, Block Congress President Shankar Kundar, and Yashpal Suvarna, were present during the protest. Security arrangements were managed by Brahmavar CI Divakar and Kot SI Raghavendra.

MP extends support

MP Kota Srinivas Poojari visited the protest site and pledged his support to the demonstrators. He assured discussions with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police. When there was resistance to maintaining the status quo, the protesters warned of intensifying their agitation and blocking all toll gates.

The protest continues to draw attention, with all parties awaiting the crucial meeting scheduled for December 30.