Transporters’ association to block NICE road toll booths from May 29 over lack of facilities

BENGALURU: The State Lorry Owners’ Association has risen up against NICE Road again and decided to shut down NICE tolls along with launching an indefinite strike from the May 29.

Speaking about the issue, State Lorry Owners Association president Shanmugappa said, “There are no basic amenities needed for drivers on NICE Road. There are no facilities for drivers to halt, including petrol bunks. But toll rates keep increasing”.

“Also, many accidents are happening on NICE Road. The 30-acre land on Hosur Road that was available for parking vehicles has also been given for apartments. Hence, the Lorry Association has demanded that the government take over the NICE Road toll”, he said.

Along with this, it has been decided to stop vehicle movement on NICE Road and protest on May 29. “NECE has spent Rs 3,000 crore on building the road and is looting crores. Instead, transporters and burdened. If the government takes over the toll collection, it can get thousands of crores in revenue. NECE is collecting toll saying they will provide facilities, but amenities for truckers have not been provided even at a single location. No government has bothered about this issue”.

“Also, there are crimes happening at the bridges where stones are thrown at lorries. The company had promised to provide amenities on a 30-acre plot near Electronics City, but now an apartment complex is coming up. Hence, we have decided not to allow any vehicles on the road from May 29. We are only demanding our rights. Once the company has recovered its cost, the government can take over the toll collection”, Shanmugappa added.