Pune: In response to the poor condition of the Pune-Satara Highway and the blatant toll collection by the highway authority and toll administration, a strong protest was held today at the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza demanding the closure of the toll collection.

Protesters, led by the Congress party, vowed to continue the agitation until toll collection stops and demanded the immediate repair of the highway. All vehicles passing through the toll plaza were allowed to go without paying tolls as part of the protest.

Amidst the backdrop of the dilapidated Pune-Satara Highway, the Congress party staged protests at various toll plazas from Shindewadi to Kolhapur. At Khed Shivapur (Taluka Haveli), the protest was led by Bhor MLA Sangram Thopte and Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap.

Several prominent Congress members including Devidas Bhansali, Shailesh Sonawane, Lahunana Shelar, Mauli Pangare, Rohan Bathe, Shivraj Shendkar, Pradeep Poman, Vishal Konde, Suraj Gadade, and other office bearers and activists from Bhor, Velha, Mulshi, and Purandar participated in large numbers.

From 10 AM on Saturday morning, a significant number of activists had gathered at the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza to protest. Initially, the protest began at the Satara side of the toll plaza where vehicles were allowed to pass without paying tolls.

Subsequently, Congress workers staged a sit-in at the main toll plaza. Bhor MLA Sangram Thopte expressed his anger, questioning the collection of tolls on a damaged road and stated that no activist would leave until a written assurance for road repairs was obtained.

Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap also expressed solidarity with the local populace, demanding the permanent closure of the toll plaza.

Various activists voiced their frustration over the poor state of the Pune-Satara Highway, insisting that toll collection should remain suspended until the road is repaired.

The toll administration and highway authority found themselves in a difficult position due to the protest, which continued past noon, starting from 10 AM and still ongoing at 2 PM. Meanwhile, Rajgad police deployed significant security to maintain law and order.