KERALA HIGH COURT HALTS TOLL COLLECTION AT PALIYEKKARA FOR FOUR WEEKS OVER NH TRAFFIC CHAOS
Background of the Issue
The Kerala High Court on August 6, 2025, ordered a temporary suspension of toll collection for four weeks at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on the Edappally-Mannuthy stretch of National Highway 544 near Kochi. This order was passed due to the failure of authorities, particularly the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to resolve the severe traffic congestion plaguing the area.
Court Observations and Rulings
The Division Bench of Justices Muhammad Mustaque and V. Harishankar Menon stressed, "Toll collection can only be justified after resolving traffic snarls."
The High Court criticized the NHAI for not fulfilling commitments to repair and improve the roads and associated infrastructure, including underpasses and service roads.
Although NHAI had constructed service roads to alleviate traffic, these too were reported to be in poor condition, worsening the congestion problem.
The Court aligned with earlier administrative orders by the Thrissur District Collector, who had similarly halted toll collection citing unbearable gridlock worsened by ongoing underpass construction.
Petitioners’ Arguments
Petitions filed by Thrissur District Congress Committee President Joseph Tagget, Shaji Kodakandath, and others stated that:
Tolling continued despite incomplete infrastructure promised in the concession contract.
Increasing toll rates amid worsening traffic conditions was unfair and burdensome to the public and commuters.
The ongoing severe gridlock caused immense hardship and delays for road users.
Authorities’ Responses
NHAI contested that congestion affected just a few kilometres and that rerouting via service roads was in place; however, it admitted the roads needed improvement.
The state government assured the court that efforts were underway to ease the traffic situation.
NHAI requested additional time to complete works, but the Court imposed a strict four-week stoppage of tolling until effective solutions are implemented.
Impact and Next Steps
The toll suspension is a significant relief for motorists who regularly endure long delays at Paliyekkara, a critical national highway bottleneck.
The order remains in effect for one month, post which the Court will revisit the matter based on progress in resolving traffic issues.
Authorities are expected to accelerate infrastructure upgrades and traffic management to enable resumption of toll collection under acceptable conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: What action did the Kerala High Court take regarding toll collection at Paliyekkara?
The Court suspended toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza for four weeks due to unresolved traffic congestion.
Q2: Why was toll collection halted at Paliyekkara?
Because severe traffic jams caused by poor road conditions and underpass construction created unmanageable congestion affecting commuters.
Q3: Who filed the petitions against the toll collection?
Petitions were filed by Thrissur DCC President Joseph Tagget, Congress leader Shaji Kodakandath, and others.
Q4: What did the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) say in response?
NHAI claimed only a few kilometres were affected and that traffic was diverted via service roads, though it acknowledged those roads were not in good shape.
Q5: Is the toll suspension permanent?
No, the suspension is temporary for four weeks, after which the Court will reconsider based on improvements.
Q6: How does this order affect daily commuters?
It provides relief from toll charges and may reduce traffic delays if infrastructure improves promptly.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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