On August 10, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new toll gate on the Padubidri-Karkala state highway proceeded despite strong opposition from local residents and organizations. The proposed toll gate on State Highway 1 has faced ongoing resistance from the community and various groups.
The Karnataka State Highway Development Project recently awarded the toll collection contract to a company based in Hassan. On the day of the ceremony, the company’s staff unexpectedly chose a site in Kanchinadka along the Padubidri-Karkala highway for the toll gate construction and proceeded with the groundbreaking event.
Local leaders from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike arrived at the site to request documentation related to the project, leading to a heated verbal altercation with the company staff. The conflict escalated, resulting in the removal of ceremonial materials, including the ceremonial stone, by those who conducted the puja.
Police intervened after the confrontation, engaging in discussions with government engineers and locals. They instructed the company’s staff to halt all work until proper procedures and community concerns were addressed. The staff were sent away with a warning to resolve the issues before resuming construction.
The situation underscores the tension surrounding the toll gate project and the need for clear communication and community engagement in infrastructure development.