Bus operators, market organisations and a Kargil war hero united against toll collection on rain-battered highway
Munish Sood
MANDI: Mounting public pressure has compelled the Mandi district administration to temporarily shut down the Takoli Toll Plaza on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane for a month, suspending all toll collection during this period. The decision, announced by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, comes after widespread protests over the severely damaged road conditions caused by incessant monsoon rains.
The rains left large portions of the highway pitted, unstable and prone to landslides, making travel treacherous for motorists. Bus and truck operators, already reeling from delays and increased fuel costs, strongly opposed toll collection under these conditions. Several market and farmers’ associations also joined the movement, citing huge financial losses due to transport disruptions and damaged produce.
These organisations organised rallies, submitted petitions to authorities and demanded not only toll suspension but also immediate road repairs, installation of footbridges, proper lighting, and accident-prevention measures.
Kargil War hero too intervened
Kargil War hero and BJP leader Brigadier (Retd.) Khushal Thakur emerged as a key voice in the campaign. Raising the issue aggressively, he wrote a detailed letter to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate suspension of toll collection until the road was restored to safe and functional condition. In his letter, Brigadier Thakur argued that forcing commuters to pay tolls while enduring hazardous travel conditions was both unjust and contrary to the spirit of public welfare.
Decision welcomed across the region
Following these sustained protests and formal appeals, the DC issued written orders closing the toll plaza for a month. The move has been widely welcomed by commuters, transport operators, and local organisations. Brigadier Thakur thanked the central and state governments, the National Highways Authority of India, the Mandi district administration, and senior political leaders for responding to public concerns, stressing that toll collection should remain suspended until the highway is fully repaired.
