Tapi: Locals have been demanding toll exemption for local vehicles at Mandal Toll Plaza on the Vyara-Songadh National Highway for a long time. Despite past agitations by political leaders, the people of Tapi district have yet to receive this exemption. As a result, it has now been decided to launch a non-political toll exemption movement. Accordingly, a large number of people are expected to gather at Mandal Toll Plaza today, March 26, 2025, demanding toll exemption for local vehicles.

To ensure maximum participation at Mandal Toll Plaza, a call has been made to shut down all markets in Songadh today.

As part of the movement, led by Songadh social leader Praveenbhai Shah, 50 to 60 people had gathered at Mandal Toll Plaza on March 21, demanding toll exemption for local vehicles. At that time, toll plaza officials requested that a formal representation be made at a higher level. In response, the public announced plans to protest again on March 26 and urged the concerned authorities to be present at the toll plaza on that day.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held in Songadh yesterday to strategize the agitation and ensure maximum participation. During the meeting, it was decided to demand toll exemption for both private and commercial vehicles across Tapi district. Since local vehicles have been exempted from toll at other toll plazas, the movement emphasizes that Mandal Toll Plaza should also grant the same exemption to prevent unnecessary toll charges.

With a massive protest set to take place at Mandal Toll Plaza, as of late evening, the district administration had not made any decision regarding the diversion of vehicles on National Highway No. 53. DeshGujarat