Kochi: In a strong rebuke to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Kerala High Court has warned that toll collection on the congested Mannuthy–Edappally stretch of National Highway 544 may be suspended if the traffic bottleneck isn’t resolved within a week.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Johnson John questioned the logic of charging tolls from commuters for a road that fails to ensure smooth and safe travel. “Why should citizens pay tolls for roads that are neither motorable nor secure?” the court asked, emphasizing that commuters’ rights must come first.
The court stressed that tolls are collected on the premise of providing a functional, safe roadway — a promise NHAI is failing to uphold. “People pay tolls based on public trust. If that trust is broken by poor infrastructure, toll collection becomes indefensible,” the judges noted.
Despite interventions by district officials, NHAI has been slow to act, prompting the court to demand an explanation if tolling is to continue. The matter will be reviewed again on July 16.
Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, representing NHAI, requested one week’s time to address the issue in coordination with the state government and concerned agencies.
While NHAI claimed that construction is confined to just 4.8 km of the 65-km toll stretch, petitioners argued that traffic snarls extend from Paliekkara to Angamaly. The NHAI also defended its position by stating that alternate roads are available and no one is compelled to use the toll route.
The case stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Congress leader Shaji Kodankandath, currently under consideration by the High Court’s Division Bench.
