Dakshina Kannada Activists Ramp Up Opposition to Multiple Tollgates
Inspired by the successful closure of the Kumbala tollgate in Kerala by a joint action committee, organizations in Dakshina Kannada are intensifying their opposition to tollgates within a 60-kilometer radius. Activists have highlighted that a tollgate has been operational for over a decade at Brahmarakootlu on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru NH-75 stretch, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to commence toll collection at Valalu in Uppinangady, which is within 35 kilometers.
Violations of Distance Rules and Planned Protests
Activist Muneer Katipalla emphasized that the rule requiring a minimum distance of 60 kilometers between tollgates is being blatantly ignored in the construction of new toll plazas. "Toll gates are being built in the district in violation of the distance rules," he stated. A new toll plaza is being set up near Ganjimutt in Sooralpady on the Mangaluru - Moodubidire - Karkala National Highway 169, approximately 17 kilometers from Mangaluru.
This Ganjimutt toll plaza is only 33 kilometers and 34 kilometers away from the Brahmarakootlu and Talapady tollgates, respectively, and 44 kilometers from the Hejamadi tollgate in Udupi. Additionally, toll plazas are under construction at Uppinangady's Valalu and near Panapila on the Beltangady road, bringing the total to six tollgates in the region. "This will create a dire situation for vehicle drivers on the national highway," Muneer warned, stressing the need for massive protests similar to the agitation that led to the closure of the Kumbala tollgate.
Political Inaction and Public Response
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Muneer alleged that the MPs and MLAs of the region are not paying adequate attention to this issue, with public representatives silently consenting to the construction of tollgates. In response, various political parties and organizations have decided to organize a padayatra to the NHAI office in March to oppose toll collection in the district.
Action committee member K Yadav Shetty proposed that a meeting involving the district administration and highway authority should be held in the presence of the district's MPs and MLAs, along with citizens, to ensure strict adherence to distance rules in the establishment of tollgates. "If there is a lack of interest in this matter, the committee will organize simultaneous marches to the highway authority office from all tollgates in the district by forming local protest committees," he warned.
Official Response and Future Steps
Speaker UT Khader stated that he will discuss the issue with district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. "MPs and MLAs of the region should discuss the issue and try to bring clarity. There should be an MoU between the NHAI and the district administration for each national highway project," he said. Khader added that the MoU clearly mentions details of tollgates, service roads, bus stands, street lights, and other amenities to be developed, but people often do not receive this information.
The growing discontent among activists and residents underscores the urgent need for transparency and compliance with regulations to prevent further escalation of protests in Dakshina Kannada.
