Ludhiana: On Sunday, various farmer and labour unions made Punjab’s most expensive Ladhowal toll barrier free for commuters. The farmers took this step against the excessive toll fee being charged from the commuters. The farmers had already announced that if their demands to reduce the toll fee to the minimum were not met by Saturday, they would not allow the toll company to collect the fee. On Sunday, farmer unions protested at the Ladhowal toll barrier in Ludhiana demanding a cut in toll fee. They raised slogans against the central government for putting an additional burden on the common people. They alleged that this toll tax is an additional burden on the people despite paying various taxes including road tax while purchasing a vehicle. The farmers also did not spare the Aam Aadmi Party MLAs of Ludhiana and alleged that these MLAs have failed to stand up for the issues of the people and never spoke against the excessive rates at the Ladhowal toll barrier. Farmer unions on Sunday protested at the Ladhowal toll barrier in Ludhiana demanding a cut in toll fee. Tribune Photo: Ashwani Dhiman
Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Union (BKU-M) president Dilbagh Singh said that apart from Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba), some other tempo and taxi unions and labourers’ unions have also extended support to the protest. “Earlier farmers used to protest over agrarian issues, but this protest is for the issues of common people. The exorbitant toll rates are taking a toll on everyone’s pockets. The Ladhowal toll barrier is said to be the costliest toll barrier in Punjab. The toll company has increased the toll fee thrice in a year which is not acceptable to us and till the fee is reduced to the minimum, we will not let toll operations happen,” Dilbagh said. Asked if any official of the government or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approached them for talks on their issues, Singh said no one has approached them yet. Now the dharna will be held indefinitely. Interestingly, commuters passing through the toll barrier were appreciating the farmers for standing in the interest of common people. Commuters were waving to the farmers sitting at the toll barrier and were giving positive signals for their move. Toll manager Deepinder Singh said that the farmers started a peaceful protest at around 11 am and the toll was made free for commuters. He said that he has informed other officials of NHAI and the toll company about the situation.