Jaintia groups object to 2nd NHAI toll gate

SHILLONG: Five organisations in Jaintia Hills have opposed the construction of a toll plaza on NH-44 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) saying it would be inconvenient for commuters.
The toll gate is supposed to come up at Ladsaliya, Ialong in West Jaintia Hills. But the groups said in a statement that NHAI has already constructed a toll gate at Lumshnong in East Jaintia Hills, which is yet to be functional.
“People travelling on the national highway – especially those from Umkiang, Ratacherra, Huroi and Sonapur – will be greatly affected financially as they have to pass through the two toll gates if NHAI is allowed to construct both in Jaintia Hills,” a statement from East Jaintia National Council said.
The All Jaintia Students Union, West Jaintia National Council, Hynniewtrep National Youth Front and Jaintia National Council were the other groups which met on October 5 to discuss the issue.
The organisations urged the West Jaintia Hills district administration to halt the construction of the toll plaza and threatened to resort to other ways and means if the district administration does not take action.