BJP MLA Surinder Bhagat Leads Protest Against “Illegal” Toll Collection at Suhanjana Toll Plaza

MLA Surinder Bhagat Condemns NHAI, Vows to Protect Locals from “Tanashahi”, ‘Ddagiri’

• BJP MLA Surinder Bhagat led a protest against the Suhanjana Toll Plaza, demanding a halt to toll collection until local landowners are fully compensated for their land acquired for the Jammu Ring Road project.
• Bhagat accused the NHAI of flouting guidelines by starting toll collection on an incomplete road and ignoring the exemption for local residents within a seven-kilometer radius.
• He criticized the local administration and police for allegedly supporting the toll plaza’s actions and threatened an indefinite dharna if the demands were not met.
• The toll plaza manager agreed to comply with the MLA’s instructions and discuss the matter with superiors, while the Tehsildar promised to raise the issue with higher authorities, leaving the resolution pending further action.

JJ CORRESPONDENT

Jammu, December 7, 2024: BJP MLA from Marh, Surinder Bhagat, led a protest of hundreds of local residents at the Suhanjana Toll Plaza today, demanding an immediate halt to toll collection, alleging that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has failed to meet prerequisites before initiating toll collection.

Bhagat accused the NHAI of flouting guidelines by commencing toll collection without adequately compensating local landowners for land acquired for the Jammu Ring Road project. He also pointed out that the Ring Road itself remains incomplete, making the toll collection illegal and unacceptable.

The MLA lambasted the administration, accusing them of “Tanashahi” (high-handedness) and “Dadagiri” (bullying). He questioned the presence of the Tehsildar and local police officers at the site, asking whether they were there to maintain law and order or to intimidate locals into paying the toll. Both officials stated that they were acting on instructions from higher authorities.

Bhagat insisted that NHAI guidelines, which stipulate that no local residing within a seven-kilometre radius should be charged toll, must be adhered to. He vowed to stage an indefinite dharna at the toll plaza if the “illegal” toll collection wasn’t stopped immediately.

“I will protect the rights of the people who elected me, even if it means protesting at the toll plaza myself,” declared Bhagat. He insisted on full compensation for affected landowners, exemption from toll charges for local residents, and the completion of the Ring Road as preconditions for resuming toll collection.

Bhagat revealed that the toll plaza had begun collecting toll on the night of December 6, 2024, suggesting a deliberate attempt to catch locals off guard. He further stated that he was prepared to escalate the matter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari or LG JKUT if necessary.

The toll plaza manager, after initially avoiding the MLA, eventually agreed to comply with Bhagat’s instructions and consult with his superiors for a resolution. The Tehsildar also promised to raise the issue with higher authorities.

Local residents expressed their support for MLA Bhagat’s swift action, hoping that the government will address their concerns regarding compensation, local exemptions, and the completion of the Ring Road project.

Bhagat stressed that the government’s primary responsibility is the welfare of its citizens and that their rights must be safeguarded. He criticized the inadequate compensation provided to landowners and the premature commencement of toll collection before the completion of the Ring Road.

The public now awaits the NHAI and local administration’s response to MLA Bhagat’s demands, hoping for a just and equitable resolution that prioritizes the welfare of the local community.