Srinagar: People, including motorists and commuters, on Tuesday protested against imposition of high toll tax on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in south Kashmir.
The protest comes after a toll plaza was made operational on Tuesday near Sangam on the national highway.
Scores of motorists and commuters protested near Toll Plaza near Sangam on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, alleging that a hefty sum was being charged as toll tax. “Every vehicle passing through the toll plaza was charged toll of at least Rs 85. Even light motor vehicles were charged Rs 85,” the demonstrators alleged.
Terming as imposition of high toll tax as unfortunate, the protestors demanded that the fee be reduced immediately.
“I live on the other side of Sangam and my Shop is in Srinagar. I have to pay Rs 170 per day while commuting between by shop and home every day. On top of that then there are restrictions on civilian traffic for two days in a week on the highway. Doing business and catering to the needs of family is becoming difficult with every passing day in the valley,” Shabir Ahmad, a businessman said.
An official said that state administration has taken up the issue with authorities in New Delhi. “From now onward, people living within 20 km radius of the toll plaza will not have to pay anything,” he added.
