Fulbari, 14th June: Taking decisive action regarding toll collection at the Fulbari Bypass, MLA Sikha Chatterjee personally visited the site on Sunday and halted the collection process.
According to allegations, toll charges were being collected from both goods and passenger vehicles travelling on the Fulbari-Ghoshpukur road via the Fulbari Bypass, reportedly in the name of the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA).
Notably, the issue had previously sparked controversy after political changes last month, when BJP workers visited the toll plaza and temporarily halted the collection process. At the time, allegations were made that vehicle operators were being charged between ₹100 and ₹500. However, toll collection resumed a few days later following the issuance of a notice.
Speaking on the matter, MLA Sikha Chatterjee said she became aware of the toll collection while attending a programme and had already received complaints regarding the alleged illegal levy. She subsequently visited the site and directed that the collection be stopped.
The MLA asserted that illegal toll collection would not be tolerated and warned that strict action would be taken if similar practices continued in the future.
Drivers and commuters welcomed the move, expressing relief over the suspension of the toll charges. Many claimed that despite paying fees, the condition of the road had not improved and maintenance work remained inadequate.