Toll protest: villagers will get concession, CM

       
Bangalore, May 8 (PTI) Amid persistent protests against
the toll hike on the National Highway leading to international
airport, Chief Minister Siddaramaih today said there will be
concession on toll for villagers within the proximity of the
highway.
        "Toll will be collected at concession rate from villagers
in about 40 km radius, that is Rs 220 per month for any number
of trips they commute," he told reporters here.
     Villagers within a five kilometre radius need not pay any
toll, he said.
        Siddaramaih said service road should be made available for
the sake of local villagers next to tolled road, adding that
he is in touch with Union Minister for Road Transport and
Highways Oscar Fernandes over the toll issue.
     Meanwhile, Karnataka State Lorry Owner's and Agent's
association has called for agitation tomorrow, demanding
rollback of toll hike. They are likely to be joined by taxi
drivers and several pro-Kannada organisations.
        Private taxi drivers and transporters are up in arms
against the nearly four-fold hike on the 22-km stretch of the
elevated road to the Kempegowda International airport but the
increase has been justified by NHAI citing the relevant
provisions under the National Highway Fee (Determination of
Rates and Collection) Rules.
        The toll for a return journey by car or other such
vehicles has been increased from Rs 30 to Rs 115 with effect
from Saturday last. The concessionaire of the public-private
partnership project has been allowed to hike the toll in
accordance with provisions of the agreement with NHAI.
        Both BJP and JDS have protested against the toll hike.
PTI KSU