Locals to launch protest against toll collection on Biju Expressway

Sambalpur: The Sambalpur Highway Users Forum will stage a dharna on May 26 protesting collection of toll taxes on the recently-inaugurated Sambalpur-Rourkela Biju Expressway.

Locals have been protesting toll collection on the expressway, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on March 12, and are demanding toll exemption for vehicles registered in Sambalpur.

"The bar association of Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Rourkela have taken a unanimous decision to support the cause and on May 26 a concrete step towards the issue will be taken," said president of Sambalpur Highway Users Forum, Babuli Panda.

Meanwhile, the association has urged the locals from all walks of life to support and participate in the dharna.

Earlier, the Bar Associations of Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Rajgangpur, Rourkela and Bonai had threatened that the issue would have a direct impact on the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and General Elections if their demands are not fulfilled.