The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Kerala High Court has rejected its plea to restart toll collection at Paliyekkara, extending the ban until September 9.
The decision came after a court-appointed three-member committee—comprising the District Collector, District Police Chief, and Regional Transport Officer—reported that service roads remain incomplete, construction is moving at a slow pace, and traffic relief so far has been only temporary due to diversions.
The panel also warned that with vehicle inflow expected to surge during the Onam season, congestion could worsen unless repair and widening works are fully completed. They recommended that toll collection be allowed only after all pending works are finished.
Taking note of the report, a Division Bench led by Justice Mohammed Mustaque refused to lift the ban and directed the committee to conduct a fresh inspection in the presence of NHAI officials before submitting another report.
The ruling has derailed NHAI and its concessionaire’s plans to collect tolls during the festive season. The case will be taken up again on September 9.
