The Kerala High Court has decided to continue the ban on toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza along the Edappally–Mannuthy National Highway, citing poor road conditions. The bench stated that a final decision on resuming toll collection would be considered on Friday after reviewing the district administration’s findings.
The directive came while hearing a plea by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which sought to overturn the earlier court order suspending toll collection. Seeking clarity, the High Court requested a detailed report from the Thrissur District Collector regarding the condition of the 60-kilometer toll stretch.
During the proceedings, the Advocate General argued that only “three or four spots” had issues. However, the Collector’s report contradicted this claim, noting that problems spanned at least a five-kilometer section. The court responded sharply, observing that “anyone who travels along the road can clearly see its condition.”
Rejecting the argument that NHAI had not deliberately delayed repairs, the court ordered the District Collector to personally inspect the site on Wednesday and submit a factual assessment. The bench also cited the Supreme Court’s directive that toll collection should be permitted only after ensuring safe and smooth travel for motorists.
With this, the ban on toll collection at Paliyekkara will remain in force until further notice — a decision widely seen as a reminder that road users must not be charged for substandard infrastructure.
