Toll collection resumes on Punnurunni Railway Overbridge

Kochi: The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd (RBDCK) on Tuesday resumed toll collection at Punnurunni Railway Overbridge after over a year leading to a tense situation prevailing in the area with locals and political outfits staging protests.  

Over 25 activists were arrested and removed by the police from the scene as workers of the CPM, BJP, AIYF and even those from the ruling coalition, members of the Congress and Youth League protested from the morning itself.

“No untoward incident was reported as the protestors did not resort to violence. Instead they were seen asking motorists not to pay the toll,” police said, adding the arrested were later released on bail.

However, the political activists threatened to intensify the stir in the coming days if RBDCK continues with the toll collection.

“Last year, it was agreed that no toll would be collected until completion of the Kochi Metro works as many vehicles are using the by-routes.

Also the Kochi Corporation is expected to pass a resolution urging the state government to take over the bridge so as to spare the common man from paying the toll,” said T C Sanjith, state Vive-President, AIYF.  

The toll collection was suspended in April last year following stiff protests from the local people.

The RBDCK had invested Rs 25.13 crore by taking loans from nationalized banks for which an interest of Rs 11 crore will have to be paid.

The corporation and the railways are yet to give the promised amount of Rs 10 crore and Rs 5 crore respectively.

When contacted, Mayor Tony Chammany said a meeting would be held with  RBDCK Managing Director soon to resolve the issue.