Thrissur: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has reportedly gained a windfall exceeding Rs 1 crore following the toll collection ban at Paliyekkara, a measure that has been in effect for nearly 50 days. The court-mandated suspension has allowed hundreds of buses to traverse the route daily without paying the toll, translating into significant savings for the state-run transport service.
Since October 6, an average of 800 buses has been passing through the Paliyekkara toll point daily without payment. Under normal circumstances, each bus is required to pay Rs 7,310 per month, with a reduced rate applied for multiple crossings on the same day. Data indicate that fewer than 20 percent of buses cross the toll more than once, meaning the bulk of vehicles avoid paying the full monthly fee. Calculations suggest that KSRTC has saved around Rs 55.5 lakh in the first month alone, with the figure expected to surpass Rs 90 lakh over 50 days bringing total savings to just over Rs 1 crore.
The toll rate for KSRTC-operated buses is fixed monthly and had been sharply increased from Rs 1,050 per month prior to the current arrangement. This adjustment makes the financial benefit from the ban even more substantial. The toll suspension has effectively reduced operational costs for KSRTC, while maintaining regular service on the heavily trafficked route.
The Kerala High Court recently extended the order prohibiting toll collection at Paliyekkara, citing damage to the service road in Muringoor. The court emphasized that toll collection could resume only after necessary repairs are completed, ensuring safe passage for commuters and commercial vehicles alike. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing infrastructure maintenance with public convenience.
With this temporary ban in place, KSRTC continues to operate uninterrupted while accruing unexpected financial relief. Commuters and transport operators have welcomed the decision, although authorities now face the challenge of repairing the damaged service road before reinstating the toll.