2 hrs ago
Tipper Drivers Block Toll Plaza Over Fee Dispute
About 20 large tipper trucks blocked every gate at a toll plaza in Andhra Pradesh.
The drivers said they were carrying supplies for government projects and should not have to pay.
Toll staff said the trucks still had to pay the usual fee.
Police told the drivers to pay first and sort out any money dispute with their contractor later.
The blocked gates caused long lines of vehicles and made travel difficult.
Police helped get traffic moving again.
The drivers reportedly left without paying, and the toll gates were damaged as they departed.
About 20 tipper lorries blocked all six gates at Vedurupavuluru toll plaza on Sunday.
Drivers sought toll exemption, saying the lorries carried materials for government projects and belonged to a company associated with MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar.
Toll staff said the prescribed charges applied; police said exemption would apply if the MLA was travelling in a vehicle.
The blockade caused a traffic jam several kilometres long on the Vijayawada West Bypass.
Police intervention restored traffic, but the drivers allegedly left without paying and damaged toll gates.
- Who
- Around 20 tipper-lorry drivers, toll plaza staff, and Gannavaram police; the drivers said the lorries belonged to a company associated with MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar.
- What
- The drivers blocked all six toll gates while demanding toll exemption.
- Where
- Vedurupavuluru toll plaza in Gannavaram mandal, Krishna district, on the Vijayawada West Bypass.
- When
- Sunday; the blockade began after the drivers returned to the plaza in the afternoon.
- Why
- The drivers argued that the lorries were transporting materials for government projects and should be exempt from toll charges.
Drivers' claim
Toll authorities and police
Whether toll should be paid
Drivers' claim
The drivers said the lorries carried materials for government projects and, because they were associated with MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar, should be exempt.
Toll authorities and police
Toll authorities required the prescribed fee. Police said exemption would apply if the MLA was travelling in the vehicle; otherwise the toll should be paid.
Key facts
- Vehicles involved
- Around 20 tipper lorries
- Toll gates blocked
- All six gates
- Location
- Vedurupavuluru toll plaza, Gannavaram mandal, Krishna district
- Reported impact
- Traffic backed up for several kilometres on the Vijayawada West Bypass
- Drivers' stated reason
- They said the lorries were carrying material for government projects and sought exemption
- Police response
- Police advised payment and said any contractor dispute should be addressed separately
- Outcome
- Traffic was restored after police intervention; the drivers allegedly left without paying and damaged toll gates
Sources
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