Meerut Kisan Union Questions Power Bill Hike, Warns of Protest The Meerut Kisan Union, representing farmers in western Uttar Pradesh, has raised concerns over a proposed 10% increase in electricity bills, accusing the state government of imposing an unfair financial burden on rural communities. Amit Tyagi, the organization’s youth state secretary based in Ganeshpur, criticized the government for its contradictory policies, stating that while it claims to provide relief to sugarcane farmers, it simultaneously hikes electricity tariffs under the guise of a fuel surcharge. This, he argued, would exacerbate the already dire economic conditions faced by farmers, laborers, traders, and ordinary citizens. Tyagi highlighted that farmers in the region are grappling with rising costs of inputs such as diesel, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery, alongside volatile electricity prices. The proposed 10% increase in power bills, he warned, would further strain their financial stability and deepen the crisis. He also referenced the recent revocation of the Sugarcane Control Order-2026, which had sparked widespread protests across the state. Farmers had successfully pressured the government to withdraw the order, a move Tyagi credited to the collective strength of the rural community. The union leader emphasized that the recent victory over the Sugarcane Control Order demonstrated the power of organized resistance. He urged farmers, youth, laborers, and citizens to remain united, stressing that without collective action, their rights and livelihoods would remain vulnerable to exploitation. The Meerut Kisan Union has now issued a formal warning: if the government does not reverse the electricity tariff hike, the organization will escalate its efforts by launching a statewide protest.#western_up #ganeshpur #meerut_kisan_union #amit_tyagi #sugarcane_control_order_2026
Toll Collection Begins on Elevated Road of Delhi–Dehradun Expressway The toll collection system has officially started on the elevated road section of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, with car users required to pay Rs150 for a one-way trip and Rs225 for a return journey within 24 hours. This initiative, managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was launched on April 26, 2026, following the announcement of toll rates on April 25. The toll plaza is located in Ganeshpur, and the implementation marks the first phase of revenue collection on this critical infrastructure project. The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, spanning 20 kilometers, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2026. The elevated road section, designed to ease traffic congestion between Delhi and Dehradun, now operates with toll collection mechanisms. NHAI has introduced differentiated pricing for various vehicle types, including commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, and heavy machinery. For example, light commercial vehicles and mini buses are charged Rs240 for a one-way trip and Rs360 for round trips, while buses and trucks face higher rates of Rs505 and Rs760 respectively. A special concession has been provided for local residents living within a 20-kilometer radius of the toll plaza. Non-commercial vehicles of these residents can opt for a monthly pass priced at Rs350, which aims to reduce the financial burden of frequent toll payments. Additionally, car drivers have access to a monthly pass costing Rs4,985, valid for up to 50 single trips, offering convenience for regular commuters. NHAI has also outlined specific toll rates for other vehicle categories.#prime_minister_narendra_modi #national_highways_authority_of_india #nhai #delhi_dehradun_expressway #ganeshpur
