Cab associations welcome court order

BANGALORE: After protesting against the collection of toll while exiting from  Bangalore International Airport, various taxi and cab associations have heaved a sigh of relief as the toll collection has now been stayed by Devanahalli JMM court. Over 800 taxi operators participated in the protest that lasted for weeks and around 126 members were arrested.“We are pleased to know that the court has ruled against toll collection. We have worked very hard to stop toll collection and we were concerned about increase in expenditure. Our pleas have been heard,” said Radhakrishna Holla, secretary, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association.The drivers of taxis and maxi-cabs have appreciated the efforts of the advocates who had filed the public interest litigation before the Judicial Magistrate First Class court (JMFC) in Devanahalli.Following the lower court’s order, NHAI has asserted that they would appeal at the High Court.The toll collection began at the Sadarahalli Gate on NH-7 from February 13 this year, and all vehicles exiting the gate from BIA were asked to pay a toll. Cars, light motor vehicles and jeeps had to pay a toll of Rs 25. “As per the rules and guidelines, collection should not take place within 10 km of BBMP limits. This was against the rules. We welcome this court order,” commented R Shanmugappa, president, Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association.