State Labor Minister Becharam Manna led a cycle rally along the Durgapur highway to lobby the longstanding demand for the construction of 11 underpasses and service roads along the national highway.

The cycle rally was staged from the junction of Haripal Kangai Road to the Dankuni toll plaza, covering 22 kilometers along the Durgapur highway. Ahead of today’s rally, Mr Manna had demonstrated beside the Durgapur highway in February. He said the demand for underpasses from Jalapara to Chanditala to Singur and the completion of service roads and walkways in congested and accident prone areas are long standing demands of the people. The lack of metro forces people to use the highway, causing fatal accidents, he said, adding that livestock are also run over by vehicles on several occasions.

The minister threatened to escalate his protests if the demands were not met. “This is the first step in our peaceful protest. If demands remain unmet, we will participate in further protests,” he said. He said State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had written to Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari but no action had been taken.

“The national highway authority earns good revenue from toll charges. It is their duty to complete the service roads, make underpasses for the safety and security of the people residing on either side of the Durgapur highway,” Mr. Manna said.

It is learned that an inspection was carried out earlier at the marked places on the Durgapur Expressway by the NH2 Project Manager, District Magistrate, SP, BDO in the presence of the State Labor Minister. A resolution was also adopted at the meeting and the text of the resolution was sent to the central road and highway authorities to request prompt action.