Udupi: The Udupi district administration will recommend extending the toll concession available to local residents at the Sasthan and Shiroor toll plazas to people living within the Hejamady toll plaza limits.
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K announced the decision during a meeting held at her office at Rajathadri, Manipal, on Tuesday to discuss various issues concerning toll collection and infrastructure along national highways.
The meeting was convened following complaints from residents near the Hejamady toll plaza, who said they were being charged toll fees every time they crossed the plaza despite similar concessions being available to local residents at other toll points.
Recommendation for toll exemption
Residents from the Hejamady area told the administration that they frequently cross the toll plaza while travelling for their daily activities. They said having to pay the toll on every trip places an additional financial burden on people living close to the plaza.
They pointed out that residents within a 10-km radius of the Sasthan toll plaza are provided toll exemption and sought a similar facility for people living around Hejamady.
Responding to the demand, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa said the district administration would write to the Secretary of the Public Works Department recommending suitable relief for local residents.
The administration is expected to seek either a toll exemption or a monthly pass facility for local and registered vehicles operating within the specified area.
Residents seek parity with Sasthan
The demand for a concession at Hejamady is primarily based on the facility available at Sasthan.
Residents said people living close to a toll plaza should not have to repeatedly pay toll charges when they cross it for routine travel within their own locality.
They also pointed to the concession available at Sasthan and argued that residents near Hejamady should receive similar consideration.
The district administration’s proposed recommendation to the Public Works Department is expected to take up this issue with the concerned authorities.
A decision on the actual exemption or monthly pass arrangement will depend on the relevant government and highway authorities.
Service roads to be expedited
Apart from toll collection, the meeting also focused on infrastructure along NH 66.
The Deputy Commissioner directed National Highway authorities and contractors to expedite construction of service roads on stretches of NH 66 where the necessary permission has already been granted.
Service roads are particularly important for residents and local traffic because they can reduce the need for vehicles to enter the main highway for short-distance journeys.
Residents from areas near the Hejamady toll plaza also raised demands for service roads at certain locations along the highway.
The administration stressed the need to complete such works without unnecessary delay once the required permissions are in place.
Focus on road safety
Road safety measures also received attention during the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa directed officials to prioritise the installation of road reflectors and streetlights, repair potholes, improve drainage and install proper signage at junctions.
She said such measures were necessary to reduce the possibility of accidents and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
The directions assume significance along busy stretches of NH 66, where local traffic, commercial vehicles and long-distance traffic share the highway.
Proper lighting and signage at junctions can help improve visibility, while functioning drainage systems and timely pothole repairs can make road conditions safer, particularly during the monsoon.
Residents raise multiple grievances
Residents living near the Hejamady toll plaza, representatives of various organisations, elected representatives and former representatives submitted several grievances during the meeting.
In addition to toll concessions, they sought the construction of service roads, installation of streetlights and improvements in road infrastructure.
Some residents also raised concerns about the conduct of toll plaza staff and called for better and more courteous treatment of commuters.
The complaints reflected the broader concerns of communities living close to major highway infrastructure, where residents depend on the road network for daily travel.
Officials attend meeting
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, PWD Executive Engineer Kiran S, NHAI Project Director Abdul Javed, engineers, district-level officials and members of the public attended the meeting.
The participation of officials from the district administration, Public Works Department and National Highways Authority of India provided an opportunity to discuss both toll-related concerns and infrastructure requirements along NH 66.
Decision awaited on Hejamady toll relief
The district administration’s proposed recommendation could provide relief to residents who frequently cross the Hejamady toll plaza for routine travel if the concerned authorities approve the request.
For now, the administration will take up the matter with the PWD Secretary, seeking an appropriate mechanism such as toll exemption or a monthly pass for eligible local vehicles.
At the same time, directions to expedite service roads and improve safety infrastructure indicate that the administration is also seeking broader solutions to the concerns raised by communities along NH 66.
The final decision on the toll concession will depend on the response from the state and highway authorities.