New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued sharp criticism against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and concessionaire Guruvayur Constructions, questioning the rationale behind collecting toll fees despite the poor condition of the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza stretch in Kerala.
Hearing appeals against a Kerala High Court order halting toll collection for four weeks, a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran asked, “Why should people pay toll for bad roads?” The judges also flagged media reports of a 12-hour traffic jam on the stretch, highlighting the hardships faced by commuters.
When told that motorists are being charged ₹150, the CJI remarked, “As a judge, I don’t pay toll. But the common man does. Why should they pay so much for bad roads?”
The Solicitor General argued that the traffic jam was caused by a lorry accident and delays in repairs due to the monsoon. Meanwhile, the concessionaire claimed that service road maintenance was outsourced to a third party and urged the court to stay the High Court’s order stopping toll collection.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment after completing arguments.
