Strike at Kumbalam toll plaza to be intensified

KUMBALAM: The National Highways authorities continue to show injustice to Kerala, especially to Kochi. The Kumbalam toll plaza is collecting a huge toll from commuters.According to NH authorities, the toll is meant for the ‘well designed’ 17-km stretch between Aroor and Edappally. But while opening the toll plaza the authorities conveniently forgot to put the basic facilities in place.Toll plazas in other states have properly designed service roads, under passages, round-the-clock ambulance service and other necessary requirements needed for commuters.Moreover in all other toll plazas the toll gates are designed in such a way that heavy vehicles carrying large loads can pass through.As per the norms of the NH the traffic through the toll plazas should be smooth and trouble-free. “There is no need to apply the brake  once we cross such plazas in the neighbouring states where well designed flyovers ensure smooth traffic,” said Rajeev, a frequent traveller.“But after crossing the toll plaza in Kumbalam, one has to wait at the traffic signal in Kundanoor Junction,” he said. The authorities have not thought of expansion projects or even the needs of the industrial sectors.Recently KSEB incurred a loss of Rs 52,000 while using the toll plaza for transporting a huge turbine which got stuck and a portion of the plaza had to be dismantled.The gates of the plaza are quite narrow for huge containers and even low-floor buses.The under passages are not up to the mark.  The authorities have partially closed one service road. So even cyclists have to cross the plaza.Cyclists or two-wheeler riders, who are exempted from toll, have to wait for long to cross the plaza.Scores of people from neighbouring states are working here as toll agents. As they reside at the toll plaza, they litter the area around it. Taking all these factors into account the local people are planning to intensify their ongoing strike.