Farmers, commuters protest toll plaza at H. Pudupatti, demand completion of road works

Farmers and commuters protest against new toll plaza on Salem-Vaniyambadi NH demanding completion of road works, leading to toll suspension.

Farmers and commuters have come out against the opening of a toll plaza at H. Pudupatti in Salem-Vaniyambadi National Highway (NH 179A) demanding that road works on the stretch be completed first. Following the protests, there has been no toll collection in the plaza for three days.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) announced the opening of a toll plaza at H. Pudupatti near Harur in Dharmapuri district on Monday. However, it was met with protests by villagers and farmers’ associations, who demanded completion of pending road works.

R. Sundra Vadivel, organiser, Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam in Dharmapuri, said that the toll plaza was originally proposed to be set up at the 60th km from Ayothiyapattinam in Salem district. “Instead, the NHAI has opened the toll plaza at the 39th km in H. Pudupatti. It has yet to announce a tender for road works for the 15-km stretch from Ayothiyapattinam to Manjavadi Kanavai. Similarly, work on the 18-km Manjavadi Kanavai to Samiyapuram Koot Road is not even 10% complete. While work on Samiyapuram Koot Road to A. Pallipatti, is 90% complete, the NHAI should not collect toll without completing these works,” Mr. Sundara Vadivel added. He also demanded relocation of the toll plaza from H. Pudupatti to the 60th kilometre as originally planned.

Theeniyaru Farmers Development Welfare Association president P.V. Krishnamoorthy said when the NHAI already has a toll plaza at Uthangarai on Tirupathur Road, there was no need for another one at H. Pudupatti, which does not come under the 60km requirement between one toll plaza and another. He called for the completion of pending roadworks from Ayothiyapattinam in Salem district to A. Pallipatti. “Officials said it will take one year for completion of works. Until then, toll should not be collected. If NHAI tries to open the toll plaza, a big protest will be staged,” Mr. Krishnamoorthy added.

NHAI officials said that following the protests, toll collection has been suspended. “We have taken the issue to higher officials. Based on their instruction, further action would be taken,” officials added.