The Centre informs the Kerala High Court it will decide within 3 days on NH-544 toll rates, following suspension due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions at Paliyekkara.
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KERALA: The Kerala High Court has once again put on hold the resumption of toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on National Highway-544 (NH-544), citing ongoing concerns about road conditions and traffic congestion. The development comes amid petitions and reports highlighting safety issues on the Edappally–Mannuthy stretch.
Background
Earlier this year, the High Court suspended toll collection at Paliyekkara on August 6, following multiple petitions regarding poor road conditions caused by ongoing overbridge works along NH-544. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had appealed to the Supreme Court, but the top court dismissed the appeal, instructing the Kerala High Court to continue monitoring the situation closely.
After several hearings, on September 19, the High Court indicated it may allow toll collection to resume, noting improvements reported by the Interim Traffic Management Committee, chaired by Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian. The Committee confirmed that the NHAI had substantially complied with earlier directions and addressed most issues raised by petitioners.
However, recent developments, including the collapse of a service road near Muringoor, prompted the Court to withhold its order, emphasizing that safety and traffic concerns still needed attention.
Central Government’s Role
On the latest hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) of India ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the NHAI, assured the Court that all conditions required to resume toll collection were now satisfied. He stated:
“Clear signs are kept informing of road works. Safety measures are in place. All conditions to permit toll collection have been met.”
Senior Advocate S Sreekumar, representing a contractor, added that severe traffic congestion had reduced, affecting only a 5-kilometer stretch out of the 65-kilometer road.
Despite these assurances, the Court questioned why the Central government had not addressed issues such as revised toll rates to account for the remaining road concerns. Justice Mustaque remarked that the Court was not an expert in deciding rates and that it was the Centre’s responsibility to address the matter.
The ASG responded, assuring:
“We will take a decision in 3 days.”
As a result, the Court adjourned the case for three days without lifting the stay on toll collection.
Case Title:
Shaji J Kodankadath v. Union of India and connected cases
