Mangaluru, 19 August 2026: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) organised a long protest march on Tuesday, August 18, demanding the closure of the Brahmarakootlu toll plaza on National Highway 75. Protestors marched from Brahmarakootlu towards the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangaluru, highlighting their opposition to the continued collection of toll at the plaza.
Protest comes amid growing public and political opposition to toll infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada. A recent report put the length of the SDPI march at around 15 km, while the original announcement described it as a 14-km padayatra. Protesters called for the removal of the Brahmarakootlu toll plaza and raised concerns over the continued financial burden on motorists using the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway.
Issue has been the subject of wider debate in the district, with different political parties and public organisations raising objections to toll plazas and proposed toll infrastructure. In March, a district-level toll gate removal campaign had also called for a broader movement against toll plazas in the region.
SDPI's latest padayatra has brought the Brahmarakootlu toll issue back into focus, particularly for regular commuters, commercial vehicle operators and residents who depend on the highway for daily travel. Protesters are seeking administrative intervention to examine the continuation of the toll plaza and take steps towards its closure.
Why Brahmarakootlu toll remains contentious
Toll plaza has been a longstanding point of contention in Dakshina Kannada. Opponents have questioned the need for continued toll collection and argued that motorists in the region face an excessive toll burden. Latest protest also reflects the broader political and public mobilisation around toll infrastructure in the coastal district.
Administration's response to the SDPI's demands and whether the Centre or National Highways Authority of India will reconsider the toll plaza's continuation are likely to determine the next phase of the dispute.
Keywords
Brahmarakootlu toll plaza, SDPI padayatra, NH 75 toll, Dakshina Kannada toll protest, Mangaluru toll plaza, Brahmarakootlu toll protest, Citizen News Puttur