Guwahati: Protesters in Sonapur stopped toll collection at a National Highway-27 toll plaza on Monday, escalating their agitation over the poor condition of the highway a day after a fatal road accident claimed six lives.
The protesters prevented toll operators from collecting fees from motorists at the toll plaza, demanding immediate repairs to the pothole-ridden Sonapur stretch of NH-27.
The move came after a passenger vehicle travelling from Nagaon towards Guwahati collided head-on with an oncoming truck at Khetri in Sonapur on Sunday night. Six people were killed and several others injured in the accident. Preliminary reports indicated that the passenger vehicle allegedly lost control after hitting a large pothole before crossing the highway divider and crashing into the truck.
The accident triggered strong anger among local residents, who blocked NH-27 for nearly three hours on Sunday night, alleging that the poor condition of the highway has contributed to frequent accidents in the area.
Residents have now intensified the protest by stopping toll collection, questioning why motorists are being charged toll fees while travelling on a road they allege is unsafe and poorly maintained.
The protesters have demanded urgent repair of the highway and action to address the large potholes along the Sonapur stretch.
Khetri police had earlier detained two National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials for questioning following the protests over the road condition.
The agitation also comes amid renewed concerns over road safety along the stretch. Another accident was reported at nearby Dhupguri early Monday after a goods-laden truck overturned on the highway.
Local residents have alleged that several minor and major accidents occur along the Sonapur stretch because of the deteriorating road condition, though the claim could not be independently verified.
The protesters have maintained that toll collection should not continue until the highway is repaired and made safe for commuters.
Authorities are yet to announce details of the repair measures being taken to address the road condition.