Will the Kerala HC End Toll Collection at Kochi's Paliyekkara?

Kochi, Aug 6 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has mandated a temporary halt to toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on the Edappally-Mannuthy National Highway for a period of four weeks. This decision comes in light of the authorities' inability to manage the severe traffic congestion plaguing the area.

The Division Bench, consisting of Justice Muhammad Mustaque and Justice V. Harishankar Menon, issued the directive while deliberating on a series of petitions that requested a suspension of toll collection until the ongoing traffic issues are addressed.

The Court stated, “Toll can only be collected after resolving the traffic issues.”

Petitioners, including Thrissur DCC President Joseph Tagget and Shaji Kodakandath, challenged the toll collection, arguing that it continued without the necessary infrastructure as stipulated in the concessionaire agreement.

They contended that the persistent congestion near the toll plaza is causing significant hardship for commuters, particularly due to the current underpass construction in the vicinity.

The Court criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not fulfilling its commitment to repair and enhance the roads within a month.

“If the roads are in poor condition, how can toll collection be justified?” questioned the Court.

It also noted that although the NHAI established service roads as an alternative, their condition had also deteriorated, exacerbating the current crisis.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, representing the NHAI, claimed that only a few kilometers were impacted and that traffic had been redirected via service roads.

State Attorney N. Manoj Kumar, who spoke on behalf of the state government, assured the Court that steps were being taken to alleviate the congestion.

The NHAI also indicated that the problem would be resolved within three weeks and sought additional time to complete the necessary repairs.

This ruling is consistent with a prior directive from the Thrissur District Collector, who had also temporarily suspended toll collection due to the overwhelming congestion resulting from the underpass construction.

The Collector stressed that toll collection should only recommence after ensuring a smooth traffic flow.

The Court's interim order will remain effective for one month, after which the situation will be reassessed.

This ruling offers considerable relief to motorists who have long endured the gridlock at Paliyekkara, a crucial junction on the busy national highway.