NHAI should ensure safe, smooth travel for motorists who pay toll, says Kerala HC

Stating that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is duty-bound to ensure safe and smooth travel for motorists who pay toll, the Kerala High Court observed that toll collection should be halted if the authority was unable to provide these.

The court sought the Union government’s explanation on petitions that challenged the continuation of toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza by the NHAI, despite severe traffic snarl-ups in the Thrissur-Ernakulam corridor of National Highway 544.

The Centre’s counsel contended that the traffic snarl-ups were mostly in and around the worksites where flyovers and underpasses were being built and added that there was no practice of suspending toll collection due to this reason.

Petitions in this regard have been posted for hearing on June 25, after the Centre sought time to clarify its stand. One among the petitions challenging the toll collection was filed by Congress leader Shaji Kodakandath. He sought an end to the toll collection, citing that the NHAI and the toll collection firm had already recovered the expense incurred on widening the NH corridor.

On April 28, the Thrissur District Collector suspended toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza, citing severe traffic congestion mainly due to the ongoing construction of an underpasses on NH 544. The Collector also directed the NHAI to take prompt measures to ensure steady flow of vehicles, with police help. The order was subsequently withdrawn after the NHAI promised that corrective measures would be taken.

Published - June 17, 2025 08:40 pm IST