Kochi: The Kerala High Court has extended its order suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on National Highway 544, emphasizing that road safety and infrastructure repairs must precede any resumption of toll operations. The decision comes amid mounting public complaints over deteriorating road conditions and traffic congestion along the Edappally–Mannuthy stretch.
The extension follows a report from the Thrissur District Collector highlighting that a recently repaired service road at Muringoor had collapsed again, exacerbating the already critical traffic situation. The bench, comprising Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon, directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite repairs and submit a detailed progress report before the court considers lifting the suspension on toll collection.
The court underscored that public inconvenience cannot be justified by financial considerations. While NHAI and toll operators had requested the reinstatement of toll collection, citing revenue losses and employee concerns, the bench maintained that ensuring safe and functional roads is paramount. In a clear admonition, the court stated: “First repair the road, then toll,” reinforcing the principle that toll collection must be contingent upon the availability of properly maintained infrastructure.
The next hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, September 25, during which the court will review the progress of the road repairs and determine the feasibility of resuming toll operations. Meanwhile, the suspension remains in effect, with NHAI instructed to prioritize urgent maintenance and submit regular updates to the bench.
The extended suspension reflects the judiciary’s firm stance on accountability in infrastructure management, signaling that public welfare and safety will take precedence over revenue collection until the road conditions are fully rectified.