Thousands protest toll exemption cancellation for locals at Sasthan

Team Udayavani, Feb 22, 2021, 4:48 PM IST

Kota: Thousands of residents attended the protest organised by Heddari Jagrati Samiti (Highway Awareness Committee) on Monday near Sasthana toll plaza demanding the continuation of the toll exemption granted to locals here.

A bandh organised for the same purpose saw good response with all shops closed in Mabukala, Hangarakatte, Pandeshwar, Airody, Sasthana, Saligrama, Kota and Bannadi.

Local vehicle traffic was also minimal.

In the protest meeting held at Sasthana, along with the cancellation of toll exemptions, outrage was also expressed over the non-completion of the flyovers even after 12 years, service roads not built in major towns, unscientific road separators and underpasses and lightless streets.

Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary and Brahmavara’s tehsildar Kiran Gorayya visited the protest site and held talks.

Protesters warned that they would not stop their agitation until a clear resolution on the exemption was made.