Kerala High Court Declines to Lift Suspension of Toll Collection at Paliyekkara

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday refused to withdraw its interim order halting toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on NH-544 until the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) complies with directions to repair the highway.

 

A Division Bench of Justices A. Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V. Menon reiterated that the suspension would remain in place until compliance is confirmed. The judges noted that the issues had been flagged as early as February, yet necessary repairs had not been completed.

 

During the hearing, Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian appeared before the court and reported that several problems still persisted, though instructions had been issued to NHAI to address them. Representing the NHAI, Assistant Solicitor General of India ARL Sundaresan assured that steps would be taken at the earliest but stressed that the matter could not be indefinitely delayed.

 

Justice Mustaque, however, observed orally: “We also don’t want to postpone. We understand the dilemma faced by everyone, but you had enough time since February when the District Collector initiated proceedings.”

 

The Bench directed NHAI to report once the Collector’s directions and the Interim Traffic Management Committee’s recommendations are implemented. The Collector has also been asked to verify compliance and submit a report by Monday, September 15.

 

The suspension of toll collection stems from petitions highlighting the poor condition of NH-544 and severe traffic congestion, with one traffic jam reportedly lasting over 12 hours.

 

Although NHAI had challenged the suspension before the Supreme Court, the apex court dismissed the appeal and directed the High Court to continue monitoring the situation.

 

On August 21, the High Court constituted an Interim Traffic Management Committee—comprising the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Regional Transport Officer—to inspect congested stretches and suggest solutions. The committee, which met on August 23, recommended measures including restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours. Based on its report, the court extended the toll suspension until September 9.

 

With today’s order, the court has again tasked the District Collector with ensuring compliance by NHAI and reporting back when the matter is next heard on September 15.

 

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