Commuters using Direct Noida-Delhi (DND) flyway had another toll-free day for second consecutive day as thousands of protesters sitting near the toll plaza allowed free passage of vehicles. The protesters, who sat on dharna since Sunday demanding toll-free ride for the DND users, said they will sit at the site till the Government authorities accept their demand.
Meanwhile, the move of the protesters has cause loss to a tune of over Rs20 lakh to the toll operator in two days. The call for protest was made by over two dozen groups in Noida, forming the “Janhit Morcha”.
The protesters, led by BJP leader and founder of Janhit Morcha Nawab Singh Nagar, had on Sunday launched an indefinite protest in support of their demand to make the DND flyway — expressway connecting the national Capital and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh — toll free.
Nagar, a former MlA, said they have “opened” the toll plaza and allowing vehicles to pass for free.
“Our aim is to make DND toll free,” said Nagar while claiming that the protest is not politically motivated. Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations president NP Singh said, “We have filed petition in Allahabad High Court. Hearing is almost complete and decision is expected soon.”
The expressway, operational since 2001, considerably reduces the travel time between Delhi and Noida.
At present Rs30 is collected as toll from each vehicle. On an average one-and-a-half lakh vehicles use the route.