Residents blink headlights at plaza to oppose toll

THANE: In order to protest against toll imposed at various entry and exit points of the city, Thane commuters have decided to flash the headlights of their vehicles at all toll plazas from Friday.

Over two lakh people, including residents, NGOs and officegoers have joined hands to oppose the tax and have also taken to social media to spread the word. Sources said more than 500 vehicles blinked their headlights at toll plazas on Friday.

They are demanding that the toll plazas be closed before the upcoming civic polls.

The movement is supported by over 50 housing societies, Indian Medical Association, the Thane Citizens Foundation, Rotary and Lions club, industrial organisations from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli and Navi Mumbai. Over 50,000 members of Hiranandani Estate Resident Welfare Association are also participating in the protest.

Kasber Augustine, convener of Thane Citizens’ Foundation, said, “Most residents commute to Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai daily. They will have to pay toll at the entry and exit points of all these cities.”

She added, “We demand that toll be abolished. We are creating awareness through Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. We have over two lakh people supporting this movement.”

During the election campaign, the BJP government had assured that tolls at various places across the states would no longer be levied. Augustine said, “The housing societies will put up posters and banners. We have also distributed over 20,000 stickers to motorists near the toll plaza, appealing them to join the movement.”

PRAFUL GANGURDE Residents discuss their plan of action at Anand Nagar toll naka on Friday.