Increase in Bangalore-Mangalore highway toll stayed
Following the petition from the Aam Aadmi Party, the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner suspended a steep toll rise on Mangalore-Bangalore highway.
Mr. AB Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner, says that he had directed Brahmarakootlu toll both officials that they should not charge commuters the revised fee. He also informed the director of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding this.
Mr. Shriram Mishra, NHAI project director, says that the toll is increased at the starting of every financial year. This is not only done at Brahmarakootlu plaza but it happens all over India. The toll increase range between Rs 10 to Rs 15 for four-wheelers and light-motor vehicles. AAP party believe that hike in the toll is a violation of the election code of conduct.
The Lok sabha poll candidate says that the Election Commission forbids price adjustments during the period when the model code of conduct is applicable all over India.
Mr. Rajan Shastri, AAP volunteer, says that this is special case of bidding lower and increasing prices later. The PPP (Public-private-partnership) ventures must be audited regularly on all the aspects of costs, operation, and maintenance and investment recovery.
Source: The Times of India
Aam Aadmi Party, AAP, AB Ibrahim, Bangalore, Brahmarakootlu, Dakshina Kannada, Highway, Mangalore, National Highways Authority of India, NHAI, Rajan Shastri, Shriram Mishra
