Karjan: A message titled “Non-political programme” is making the rounds on social media, announcing a call for public protest in the form of a padayatra (peaceful march) against the ongoing toll charges at the Karjan-Bharthana toll plaza. The march, set to take place on April 11th at around 8 AM, will begin from the Karjan-Bharthana toll plaza and proceed towards the national memorial in Karjan town, where a floral tribute will be offered. A memorandum will then be submitted to the Karjan Prant Officer.

The protest highlights several key demands:

• Toll exemption for vehicles registered in Vadodara district (GJ-06 passing).

• Provision of a dedicated service road for local vehicles.

• Reduction of toll rates which, despite the expiry of the agreement between L&T and the Government of India, remain unchanged as per the current Gazette.

Citizens, local organizations, representatives of political parties, and activists have been called upon to join the protest in large numbers. The organizers are urging public participation to press for toll reforms and the removal of charges that continue despite the contract’s expiry.

A nationwide annual toll hike was also implemented just a few days ago, on April 1st, at the Bharthana Toll Plaza — which is reportedly India’s highest-earning toll plaza, with a collection of ₹472.65 crore in user fees during 2023–24. DeshGujarat