CS inspects Malavalli tollgate after protests

Mandya: Karnataka chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh, along with deputy commissioner Kumara, conducted an inspection of the tollgate at Malavalli on Thursday. The visit included a discussion on measures to streamline traffic management near the Malavalli guest house.
The inspection came in the wake of recent public protests opposing the toll collection on National Highway-948, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Hosahalli gram panchayat in Malavalli taluk. A few days ago, local leaders, activists, members of various organisations, and concerned citizens staged a demonstration demanding the suspension of toll collection.
Protesters alleged that the ongoing roadwork between Malavalli and Sattegala was of substandard quality and remained incomplete. They argued that collecting toll fees before the completion of the project was unjustified and urged authorities to defer toll collection until the road was fully constructed.
In response to the protest, toll operations were temporarily halted but resumed on Monday. The issue continues to draw public attention, with demands for accountability and transparency in the execution of the road project.
Zilla panchayat chief executive officer KR Nandini, additional DC BC Shivanandamurthy, and tahsildar Lokesh were present.