Ramanath Rai opposes NH-75 toll gates, warns of intensified protest over public exploitation

Mangalore Today News Network

Uppinangady, Mar 26, 2026: Former minister B. Ramanath Rai has alleged that setting up two toll gates at Valalu and Brahmarakootlu within a short distance of just 32 km on National Highway 75 is a strategy to exploit the public. He warned that if toll plazas continue to be established arbitrarily without maintaining the prescribed distance as per highway department norms, the protest will be intensified in the coming days.

He was speaking while leading a delegation from the Brahmarakootlu Toll Gate Removal Action Committee during an inspection visit on March 25 to the proposed toll gate site at Valalu on NH-75.

Rai pointed out that the toll gate constructed at Valalu in Bajatturu village violates the rule mandating a minimum 60 km distance between toll plazas. He said that an initial phase of protest has already been carried out against the illegally operating Brahmarakootlu toll gate and added that the agitation will continue until it is removed. He also stated that they oppose all toll gates set up unlawfully without providing proper information to the public.

Munir Katipalla, convenor of the Surathkal Toll Gate Protest Committee, said there is an attempt to replace one toll gate in Surathkal with three in the district. He questioned whether this move is in the interest of the people or merely to exploit them. He added that continuous protests have been held demanding the removal of the Brahmarakootlu toll gate and that a broader movement is now being carried out under the leadership of Ramanath Rai. He also alleged that the sitting MP is making misleading statements and asserted that the Valalu toll gate will not be allowed to function until the Brahmarakootlu toll gate is removed.

Rupesh Rai Alimar, Dakshina Kannada district president of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (Hasiru Sene), questioned why people should pay toll fees when they are already paying various taxes. He said discussions will also be held with the farming community to gather their opinion on the issue.

Several leaders and members of the committee were present on the occasion.

The programme was welcomed by Dr. Rajaram K.B., former president of the Vitla-Uppinangady Block Congress, and the vote of thanks was delivered by labour leader B.M. Bhat.