25 toll employees on strike since March 14
Motorists enjoying a free ride through the Ganebail toll plaza along the Belagavi–Panaji NH748. Louis Rodrigues
Travelers cruising along the Belagavi–Panaji NH 748 are currently enjoying what can only be described as a rare Indian highway miracle — a toll plaza where no payment is required!
At the Ganebail toll post, on the Belagavi-Panaji NH 748 motorists from Goa and Karnataka have been breezing through without paying a single rupee, thanks to an ongoing strike by around 25 toll employees since March 14. While most strikes slow things down, this one has done the exact opposite — it has sped things up and made drivers unexpectedly happy.
The protesting employees allege that the contractor has not been paying them as per minimum wage rules. Frustrated after repeated delays and alleged high-handed behaviour from the management, the workers decided to take matters into their own hands — by simply lifting the barriers and letting traffic flow freely.
Local support for the workers has been strong. At a meeting held at the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office, former Garlgunji Gram Panchayat member Prasad Patil, along with representatives of Karnataka Yuva Rakshana Vedike and Advocate Padmanand Talwar, backed the employees’ demands.
A notice has been issued to the contractor questioning why the contract should not be terminated — especially as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is currently facing losses of its revenue where the revenue collection has taken an unscheduled holiday.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed had to step in, leading to a crucial meeting at the check post on Thursday.
Meanwhile, NHAI official Bhuvanesh Kumar has assured that a fresh tender process for toll collection will be initiated soon, and local employees will be given preference for reappointment.
According to Kumar, NHAI is in the process of taking action against the agency for non-compliance of instructions.
Officials claimed that the workers, instead of taking legal recourse, have disrupted the functioning of toll plaza which has resulted in the loss to government revenue.
Until then, toll collection will continue in “auto mode” — which, for now, seems to mean “automatic free pass.”
