Defunct toll gate at Gangapada a menace for travellers on NH 16

Khurda: Even as the NHAI toll plaza at Khurda's Gangapada has been rendered defunct for the last three years, it poses a threat for commuters traveling on the National Highway 16. But the district administration is yet to take any action to demolish it.

Heavy vehicles are the most affected as they have to slow down to pass through the gates otherwise face accidents. Many vehicles, in the past, have collided against the gates since these are not visible from a distance. Besides, the check gates are in a dilapidated condition.

To worsen matters, the toll office and store house situated closeby have turned a safe haven for anti socials. Miscreants operate from those houses and extort money from passersby besides engaging in alcoholism, gambling and loot.

Local residents demanded that the toll gate should be removed forthwith as it does not have any function.

The district administration has said it will take necessary action to demolish the toll gate. “It should have been removed from the NH by now. I have apprised the NHAI (PD) authorities about the situation and they have agreed to demolish it. Some shops have grown up nearby which will also not be allowed to function from there ,” Niranjan Sahu, Khurda Collector said.