NSUI Warns of Major Agitation After Gherao of Bhojpuri Toll Plaza, Demands Toll Exemption for Locals and Students
Bilaspur, 12 June 2026: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Friday staged a protest and gherao at the Bhojpuri Toll Plaza, demanding toll exemption for local vehicle owners and students. Led by NSUI State Vice President Lucky Mishra, the demonstrators accused the toll operator of imposing an unfair financial burden on residents who use the route daily for education, employment, and essential activities.
During the protest, NSUI members raised slogans and urged authorities to provide special concessions for vehicles registered under the CG-10 series as well as students commuting through the toll route on a regular basis.
NSUI Warns of Larger Protest
Addressing the gathering, Lucky Mishra said that if the demands of local residents and students are ignored, the organization will launch a larger and more intensified agitation in the coming days.
He argued that people living in nearby villages and urban areas are among the most affected by toll collection, as they frequently travel through the route for work, studies, and daily needs.
Questions Raised Over Passenger Facilities
Apart from toll collection, NSUI also questioned the availability of mandatory passenger facilities at the toll plaza. The organization said toll operators are required to provide basic amenities and safety infrastructure for commuters.
The protesters demanded proper maintenance and monitoring of facilities such as:
- FASTag and electronic toll collection systems
- Display of toll rates and helpline numbers
- CCTV surveillance and 24-hour monitoring
- Safe drinking water and clean toilets
- First-aid services, ambulances, and emergency assistance
- Recovery vehicles and crane services
- Adequate lighting and safe lane management
- Rest areas, parking facilities, food services, and police assistance centers
Demand for Relief to Local Commuters
NSUI leaders maintained that students and local residents should not be forced to bear repeated toll charges for routine travel. The organization urged authorities to review the toll policy and introduce relief measures for frequent local commuters.
Several student leaders, youth activists, and local residents participated in the protest, including regional in-charge and councillor Krishna Sahu. NSUI reiterated that failure to address the issue could lead to a broader public movement in the region. Among those present at the protest were regional in-charge and councillor Krishna Sahu, Lala Yadav, Shanu Khan, Aditi Verma, Yuvraj Tiwari, Prateek Tiwari, Pawan Yadav, Ashish Bhardwaj, Faran Khan, Sujal Dwivedi, Sumit Suryavanshi, Umar Ahmad, Rishi Patel, Sarthak Mishra, Aditya Yadav, Sameer Mahanand, Zahid, Gopi Kaushik and Azad Sharma, along with hundreds of student leaders, youth activists, and local residents who extended their support to the agitation.
