02 July,2009 05:57 PM IST | | Aanchal Kurmi and Kaumudi Gurjar
Those travelling from Bhavdhan to Chandni Chowk are forced to pay toll of Rs 18 per car even though both places are under PMC's jurisdiction
Bhavdhan and Chandni Chowk are both within Pune city limits and under the jurisdiction of the Pune Municipal Corporation. But the over 500 residents of Bhavdhan have to pay Rs 18 per car at the toll plaza constructed by Hindustan Construction Company every time they travel towards Chandni Chowk and back.
"We have raised this issue several times, but in vain. Some of the people who have to shell out the money include poor vegetable vendors," said local corporator Bandu Kemse.
MiD DAY reporters faced a similar situation at the toll plaza.
When the reporters told the toll officials that they were visiting Athashri, which is just 200 metres ahead of the toll plaza, the officials demanded that they pay at least a one-way charge, if not both ways.
Senior citizens staying in Athashri had staged a roadblock in 2007, demanding an exemption from the toll. Ex-serviceman Govind Apte said, "There is no toll plaza in India, which is constructed within the limits ofu00a0 a local municipal corporation."
Another Athasri resident, Anant Rangnekar, added, "Firstly the toll plaza is within PMC limits and secondly, we are paying toll for a road, which is in terrible condition beyond Bhugaon just two kilometer from the plaza."
Titiksha Nagarkar, a resident of Bhavdhan, took the matter to the high court.
"Even guests from Bhusari Colony and Kothrud have to pay toll while visiting us.
"The HC decision went against us because when it directed the state government to take the necessary action, a resolution in the assembly announced that the PWD has the right to construct a road and is free to levy charges for its use."
PWD Executive Engineer
A S Khaire defended the PWD saying, "This is not the only toll plaza in the country within corporation limits. In Mumbai, there are several such toll plazas."
