The Kerala High Court has lifted its two-month-old ban on toll collection at Paliyekkara on National Highway 544, Thrissur. The restriction was originally imposed following widespread complaints about the poor condition of the Edappally–Mannuthy stretch and persistent traffic snarls.
A Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harishankar V. Menon has now allowed toll collection to resume but made it clear that only the old rates can be charged. The court categorically barred the authorities from collecting revised or increased toll rates, noting that commuters should not be penalized while road safety and infrastructure remain below standard.
The bench, which had earlier criticized the Centre for raising toll rates despite ongoing maintenance issues, stated that the matter is not yet concluded. The case will be taken up again after ten days to reassess the situation and ensure that the condition of the highway meets acceptable standards.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union Government, urged the court to withdraw the toll ban, citing that the road’s condition had “improved considerably.” Tushar Mehta informed the bench that vehicle movement is now largely smooth, with only minor bottlenecks in isolated stretches.
The Central Government also assured the court that all pending issues concerning the Paliyekkara toll plaza would be resolved promptly. However, the judges issued a stern warning, stating that commuters must not bear the brunt of administrative delays.
“The congestion may persist in some areas, but no steps should cause further hardship to travelers,” the court observed, underlining that public convenience must remain the top priority even as toll collection resumes.
