HC Extends Toll Suspension at Paliyekkara Plaza

Speedy Summary

• The Kerala High Court has extended the interim suspension of toll collection at NHAI’s Paliyekkara toll plaza.
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was directed to report to the Thrissur Collector regarding steps taken to decongest the Edapally-Thrissur NH 544 corridor.
• Thrissur Collector was instructed to verify compliance with directives aimed at reducing congestion and submit a report to the court.
• The case stems from massive traffic jams and poorly maintained diversion/service roads near work sites, including underpasses and flyovers along the corridor.
• Interim suspension of toll collection, frist ordered in early August due to these issues, is now extended till September 9.
• A petition filed by a Thrissur local sought measures for safer and smoother vehicular movement in the toll corridor.
• Police reports highlighted ongoing bottlenecks on service roads near work sites that are causing accidents.

indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala high Court’s decision underscores growing public concern surrounding infrastructure mismanagement and its impact on road safety and mobility. By suspending toll collection, it reinforces accountability for delivering functional service roads during construction projects like underpasses or flyovers. This move may push regulatory authorities such as NHAI into quicker action towards resolving bottlenecks on critical corridors like Edapally-Thrissur NH 544.

If efficiently enforced, these directives could benefit commuters while setting a precedent for ensuring maintenance during large-scale highway developments elsewhere in India. On the flip side, extended suspension might result in financial losses for infrastructure projects reliant on toll revenue-a challenge policymakers must balance against public convenience.

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