Udupi: Long-standing demand of the locals to exempt vehicles carrying Udupi registration number from paying the toll at Hejamady Toll Gate seems to be remaining a demand, with the officials of the Navayuga Construction Company saying that there is no reason why the local vehicles should be given an exemption.
A protest was held at the toll gate on Thursday, demanding exemption and Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis visited the protest site, when the Navayuga official Shankar Rao made it clear that exemption for locals, especially the vehicle users from Padubidri is out of the question. He further said that the exemption, which is at present provided at Sasthan toll gate will also be cancelled.
The protesters, who were irked by the announcement demanded the DC make sure that the toll gate is removed from Hejamady at the earliest.
However, the DC said that since there is no provision that allows removal of the toll gates, she cannot pass an order in this regard. “I have submitted a report to the government recommending blacklist Navayuga Company,” she said.
