Samakhiyali: Poor quality of roads continue to be the major issues across Gujarat. The transport industry in Kutch has in latest launched an indefinite “No Road, No Toll” campaign, starting from Samakhiyali, protesting the severe deterioration of national highways and the alleged negligence of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Transporters are demanding immediate repair of roads before any tolls are collected, stating that the current situation is causing immense hardship and economic losses.

Kutch is a significant hub for India’s transport industry, accounting for approximately 30% of the nation’s transport sector according to transporters. The district houses major ports like Kandla and Adani Port Mundra and is central to industries such as timber, salt, and minerals. Despite its strategic importance and the annual collection of ₹1800-2000 crore in tolls from Kutch as per the transporters, the roads have reportedly been in a deplorable state for over a year. Companies are accused of filling their pockets with these tolls without providing the promised road services, a responsibility explicitly stated in their own regulations.

The campaign, which was announced ten days prior and delayed by two days due to rain, officially began today on 12th September, with striking members arriving at 10 AM at Samkhiyali. Rajeshbhai, a spokesperson for the campaign, highlighted that daily toll collection from Kutch totals ₹4-5 crore, with the Samakhiyali toll plaza alone collecting around ₹85 lakh daily. Transporters are openly challenging the authorities, stating that if toll collection ceases, they are prepared to build the roads themselves, guaranteeing their quality for five years.

The “No Road, No Toll” movement has seen success so far, with truck owners and drivers voluntarily parking their vehicles at hotel parking lots or along road sides. Organizers have ensured that essential services, such as vehicles carrying petrol, vegetables, milk, and family cars, are not disrupted, keeping one lane open for them. The campaign is not limited to Samakhiyari; similar actions are being taken at other toll plazas across Kutch, including Surajbari, Maakhel (Adesar), Mokha (Mundra), and Khavda**, wherever road conditions are poor.

The current strike has resulted in long queues of vehicles being absent from the Samakhiyali toll plaza, which now stands in silence. However, the indefinite nature of the strike is beginning to have significant repercussions. Thousands of truck drivers face difficulties, goods for traders are being delayed, and ports are incurring losses. There are reports that vessels from foreign countries, typically heading to Mundra and Kandla, are being diverted to Mumbai, leading to a considerable loss of foreign exchange. The National Highway Authority is being held entirely responsible for these losses.

As of 2 PM on the day of the strike, no phone call or mediation attempt has been made by the National Highway Authority, according to campaign representatives. The organizers are appealing to the administration to address their demands before the peaceful protest escalates further. They urge the authorities to recognize the difficulties faced by the public and transport workers and provide assurances that tolls will not be collected until road repair work commences.