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BIA Toll Collection Will Be Under Security Cover

  • Groups opposed to collection of toll at the point just before the Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) have threatened to boycott the toll collection the day it begins. This will affect the movement of airport taxis and can cause some disturbance near the toll booth. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is, however, prepared for any eventuality and has security measures in place.
  • “The day toll collection at the Sadarhalli gate on NH-7 begins, we are confident it will be closed down,” said Mr G.R. Shanmugappa, president, All India Motor Transport Congress. “We told the State Government as well as the NHAI that we are not against the toll collection, but the project has to be ready before starting the toll collection. Also, airport taxis are being unnecessarily tolled. Each airport cab is paying `9,750 annually to NHAI for parking at the airport.”
  • Mr Shanmugappa claims “tremendous support” from various associations including construction associations. “We are also opposing the toll collection as the toll booths are within BBMP limits. As per the rule in 2008, no toll booth can be erected up to10 km from the municipal limits.” When toll collection began at Sadarhalli Gate on April 26 last year, it met with a fiery response, with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike smashing glass panes, furniture and computers. The toll counters had to be shut down. This time the NHAI says it’s better prepared now. “We are ready to launch the toll collection and we assure you that there is going to be tight security in place. We cannot disclose the security measures now,” said the NHAI project director, R.K. Gupta.

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