Puri: The Ratnachira Toll Gate on the Chandanpur-Nirakarpur New Jagannath Road has come into focus after some activists filed a complaint with the Puri Collector’s grievance cell here Monday alleging irregularities in toll collection.
After receiving the complaint Puri collector Arvind Agarwal directed the Chandapur inspector-in-charge to investigate the matter immediately.
The Collector also stated that if the allegations are true stern action will be taken against the toll plaza leaseholder.
Reports said activists alleged that toll gate employees are collecting money from motorists furnishing fake receipts. The toll gate authorities collect nearly `30 from four-wheelers, although the government has fixed `15. Moreover, toll workers also collect `500 from heavy vehicles instead of `200, the complaint stated.
As per records obtained through a Right To Information (RTI) application the toll gate was leased to Kanak Lata Pati of Hantuka in Puri Sadar block on contract through the Orissa Bridge and Construction Corporation.
Besides, the activists also said that the rate chart for different vehicles should be displayed on a board so that toll collection remains fair. But no board has been put by the authorities.
The complaint said that toll gate workers are extorting money from motorists according to their whims and fancies since some months. They also take money without giving proper recepts.
Activists argued that as the toll gate leaseholders have violated rules the contract should be cancelled.
Meanwhile, toll gate employees have denied any irregularities in collecting toll, said a source.
Rights activists Batakrushna Pradhan, Dhanu Barik, Dibakar Barik and Tuna Barik had drawn the attention of the Puri Collector to the irregularities in the collection of toll at the Ratnachira Toll Gate.
PNN
