Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Apr 3: Ban Toll Andolan Samiti held a protest here today for taking high toll charge from Reasi vehicles.
Large number of private vehicles operators assembled at Zanana Park here and took out a mashall rally against the hike in Ban toll plaza rates.
The protesters said that the toll plaza at Ban on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has become a burning issue from the very first day as it charges excess toll tax even for a little stretch of road used by local residents of Reasi district.
“The toll plaza at Ban is charging Rs 120 for every entry for using only a small stretch of approx 18 kilometers”, they said, adding that the private vehicles which have to go to Katra and Reasi have to pay an amount of Rs 120 per side even for using only around 18 kilometers. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently increased the toll rates at the Ban toll plaza, which is also a cause of great concern, they stated.
The rally started from Zanana Park and after passing through main bazaar, culminated at bus stand here.
“We took up the matter with the district administration and politicians several times, but all in vain”, said a local person.
Moreover the staff present their harassed, manhandled and threatened at the toll plaza even the policemen also used rough language, he said, adding that there have been alleged instances when travelers have been physically assaulted for reasons best known to the management.
“We are paying Rs 120 for using only 18 kilometers of distance, this is monetary torture to us”, the protestors said and warned to launch agitation, if Government failed to sort out the issue at the earliest.
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