Surat: Construction of the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, passing through the Bardoli, Palsana, and Kamrej talukas of Surat district, has been halted by protesting farmers who claim their access to agricultural fields has been blocked.

Some farmers claimed that the expressway construction has reportedly cut off access roads to numerous farms, causing hardship for farmers who need to transport sugarcane, vegetables, and other produce. Despite repeated appeals to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), farmers allege their grievances have been ignored.

On Monday, some farmers led by Parimal Patel, president of the Surat District Farmers’ Association, blocked the ongoing construction work. Patel stated that farmers have been submitting written complaints since 2021 without any resolution. They claim that officials have been dismissive and unwilling to address their concerns.

The situation escalated when farmers found that a concrete block wall had been erected across their access route, preventing tractors from entering their fields. Rakesh Patel, a farmer from Ena village, whose sugarcane harvest was hampered by the blockage, brought the issue to Parimal Patel’s attention.

Following this, farmers gathered at the construction site and halted work. They also demolished the concrete block wall to reopen the access road.

Police quickly arrived at the scene, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) engaged in discussions with the farmers. Farmers explained that they had exhausted all avenues for redressal, leaving them with no choice but to obstruct the construction.

NHAI officials also arrived at the site. While the demolished wall was temporarily cleared, farmers insisted on a permanent solution and continued to block the construction.

To resolve the impasse, the DySP assured the farmers that a meeting with senior NHAI officials would be arranged within three days. Following this assurance, the farmers agreed to cooperate and allow construction to resume.

The farmers allege that NHAI officials had previously made false promises and failed to visit the site as agreed. They warn that further disruptions will occur if their access issues are not resolved permanently. On the other hand, the National Highway requires entry prohibition and for that construction of wall or barricade is required. DeshGujarat