Protest against toll gates brewing in Assam

GUWAHATI: Protest against toll gates in Assam is gaining momentum. The government of Assam has sought exemption from these toll gates. However, the Union ministry of road transport and highways has refused to do away with toll gates citing the reason that for better service people should not mind paying.

There has been increasing violence at toll gates. Recently peasant organization, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) protested against the toll gate in Raha.

On May 16 suspected KMSS activists attacked the Doholapara toll gate on National Highway 31C in Chirang district of lower Assam. Staff were beaten up and the toll gate was set on fire. Seven persons were injured in the incident. Computers and CCTV cameras were damaged.

Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi during the recent visit of Union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari took up the matter of toll gates with the minister.

Gogoi said, “Due to its geographic location, the transportation cost of goods and commodities is high in comparison to other states of the country. Introduction of toll on National highways in the state will further increase the transportation cost to and from the state, which will adversely affect the economy and development of Assam and other North Eastern states. National Highways in Assam may therefore be exempted from toll collection.”

Union ministry of highways has announced that Centre would spend close to Rs 20,000 Crore in building roads in the Northeastern states in this fiscal year.

Gadkari added, “For construction of good quality road, money is required. In next two years, our target is 30 km of roads everyday. However, for good service people must not mind paying for it".