Assam transport minister Chandan Brahma on Thursday reopened the Bijni toll gate on National Highway 31 in lower Assam’s Chirang district.
The toll gate, under the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI), remained closed since 2015 because of protests from various organisations, mainly the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS). Most of the KMSS leaders, including its adviser Akhil Gogoi, are behind bars for participating at the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. A Gurgaon-based private company has been given the contract of toll collection. “The revenue from the toll gate will help maintain the highway,” said Brahma after inaugurating the toll gate.
Altogether Assam has five toll gates. With the opening of the Bijni toll gate, Assam government seems to have hinted at its cooperation to reopen the remaining four.
