• Source:JND
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Opposition to the Mundka–Bakarwala toll on Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2) is gaining momentum. Nine days after MPs and MLAs from the area raised the issue, representatives of Khap Panchayats and social organisations met Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra on Saturday, demanding that the toll be scrapped. Although discussions were described as “positive,” no consensus was reached. The delegation will now seek a meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Meanwhile, Palam 360 Khap and other organisations have completed preparations for a Maha Panchayat in Bindapur on Sunday, where the outline of a larger movement will be announced. Khap chief Surendra Singh Solanki claimed that residents from rural parts of Delhi as well as RWAs from across the capital will participate. “The agitation will continue until the toll is removed,” he said.

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On Saturday, Khap leaders submitted a memorandum to Harsh Malhotra at Transport Bhawan. Solanki later said that while talks were encouraging, a permanent solution is still awaited. Public mobilisation continued throughout the day to ensure maximum participation in the Bindapur Maha Panchayat. A meeting at Najafgarh Jat Bhawan also saw several local leaders, including Om Prakash Sahrawat, Rao Tribhuvan Singh, and Pritam Dagar, extending support.

It is not just rural Delhi opposing the toll. Residents of Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, and Ashok Vihar, many of whom use UER-2 to commute towards Dwarka, Gurugram, and the airport,have also voiced discontent. The Rohini Federation of Cooperative Group Housing Societies, representing 152 societies, called toll collection “unfair” and unprecedented within Delhi’s limits.

Residents argue that UER-2, meant to decongest the city, will not serve its purpose if people avoid it due to the steep toll of Rs 235. “If people go back to old routes to avoid tolls, how will traffic pressure reduce?” asked Rakesh Saharawat, President of Jat Samaj Education Society.

Community leaders and RWAs across Rohini echoed similar concerns:

  • “UER-2 should be toll-free like Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida roads,” said Dr SL Sagar, President of Overseas Apartments, Rohini.

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  • “The toll rate is very high, it should be reduced immediately,” said Vinita Jain, National Executive President of Jain Ekta Manch.
  • “UER-2 is of no use to Rohini residents due to the high toll,” added Sanjay Goyal of Rohini Sector-22.

With growing pressure from both rural and urban communities, the government faces mounting calls to roll back or reduce toll rates on UER-2. The final strategy of the protest is expected to be outlined at the Bindapur Maha Panchayat.