Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 17: Contrary to the assurances as well as officials records regarding exemption of locals at Sarore Toll plaza, the local matador operators have alleged that they have been asked to shell out Rs. 110 per trip, making their business impossible.
The matador operators plying on various routes from Jammu to Raya, Suchani, Patti, Badoli, Karyal, Vijaypur and others areas today observed complete strike against what they termed the highhandedness of toll-plaza staff.
“Earlier it was claimed that locals of Samba district including commercial and non-commercial will be exempted from toll at Sarore but we have been forced to pay Rs. 55 per trip, which has been hiked to Rs. 110 per trip since Thursday 16th of December”, Raghubeer Singh Bagal, president of Drivers Union alleged.
He further claimed that despite being locals, all the matador operators have been forced to pay toll at plaza. “Earlier the monthly pass was Rs. 2050, which was later enhanced to Rs. 2100, then Rs. 2225 and then to Rs. 3600 per month but now as per new order the per trip toll fee has been enhanced from Rs. 55 to Rs. 110, which is totally unjustifiable”, Singh said.
Another driver said that a matador usually made four round trips and as per new rate list, a matador operator has to shell out Rs. 880 per day, which was impossible for an operator to pay. “Already diesel is over Rs. 70 per litre, while challan, license fee and other related charges to the vehicles has already been enhanced, making it impossible for matador operators to run their small business”, the driver said and alleged that some politicians have their share in toll-plaza, due to which they have not been trying to muzzle the voice of people.
“Is it a gift of BJP to the locals of Jammu and especially Vijaypur and adjoining villages for supporting their decisions”, Rahubeer Singh said, and alleged that the BJP has made the life of common man hell.
The drivers also alleged that the people deputed at toll plaza have been threatening the drivers, who raise voice against the highhandedness of the toll-plaza officials.
The drivers further said that when the called on Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rohit Khaujuria, he also explained that as per agreement the local commercial as well as non-commercial vehicles are exempted from the toll.
The drivers also said that he asked the drivers not to pay any toll but drivers claimed that the toll plaza men harassed them if they raise voice. “DC said that he would talk to SSP Samba regarding the matter”, the drivers said. |
