Kerala HC Warns NHAI: Fix Edapally-Paliekkara Traffic or Face Toll Suspension

Speedy Summary:

• The Kerala High Court has reprimanded the national Highways authority of India (NHAI) over traffic snarls along the Edapally-Paliekkara NH 544 corridor in Kerala, which NHAI attributed to ongoing underpass construction at five locations.
• The court has issued a directive to NHAI to decongest the stretch within a week or halt toll collection for the corridor.
• Motorists paying toll fees have been affirmed their right to safe and smooth travel without encountering traffic jams or potholes.
• The case is scheduled for further hearing on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
• A month ago, the court emphasized that ensuring safe travel conditions is NHAI’s duty and underscored the link between service quality and toll collection.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Kerala High court’s firm stance highlights accountability in infrastructure management, particularly when public funds are involved such as through toll collections. By pressing for immediate remediation of traffic issues on NH 544 or halting toll collection altogether, the judiciary reinforces a rights-based approach towards governance. This directive underlines how public agencies must prioritize delivering functional infrastructure services while undertaking new growth projects.

Furthermore, this decision could set a precedent across India where similar frustrations over deteriorating road conditions conflict with regular toll charges. If upheld consistently nationwide, such measures might push authorities like NHAI towards more stringent planning and maintenance standards.However, balancing developmental delays against operational efficiency remains an intricate challenge going forward.

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