Mangaluru: The Surathkal toll plaza was initially opposed by the BJP, said State BJP Chief and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Nalin responded to the widespread demonstrations on Tuesday by saying, “Removing the Surathkal toll gate is not a problem. Our party was the first to object to the toll gate when it first opened. The toll plaza’s removal has been delayed due to a technical issue. We have asked for 20 days. But holding violent protests and taking the law into one’s hands are meaningless,” said Nalin in response to the protest held on October 18.
Speaking to mediapersons, Nalin said that the Surathkal toll plaza, which is located on the NH-66 near the NITK, will be removed by the Centre. Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike protested the construction of the toll plaza in 2013. When the toll gate was installed, the highway was constructed under the BOT (build, operate, and transfer) basis.
“The removal of the Surathkal toll gate has been discussed in several meetings with officials of the National Highway Authority of India. The removal of the toll gate was also guaranteed by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transfer and Highways,” he added.
