Date:08/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/08/stories/2009010850610300.htm

Kerala - Palakkad

Move to collect toll opposed

Staff Reporter

Resolution moved at council meeting passed unanimously

PALAKKAD: The Palakkad Municipal Council and major political parties have opposed the move to collect toll from vehicles passing through the rail over-bridge at Chunnambuthara, which will be opened for traffic on January 18 by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan.

A resolution moved by councillor P.V. Rajesh at a Council meeting was unanimously passed. It also demanded completion of the Pattikkara and Kadukkamkunnu rail over-bridges in the municipality.

The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bharathiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have also come out against the move to collect toll. They said that they would launch mass agitations against the move.

The CPI sought exemption for those living in housing colonies near the over-bridge from toll collection.

The construction of the bridge, inaugurated by the then Minister of State for Railways O. Rajagopal, was entrusted to the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation.

The corporation had fixed toll rates and a toll booth is under construction in front of Government Victoria College.

The toll fixed for car and jeep is Rs.5 and Rs.15 for heavy vehicles.