Thrissur: The ban on toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza on the Mannuthi–Edappally National Highway will remain in effect until Friday, as traffic congestion continues to challenge commuters and authorities alike. The Kerala High Court Division Bench announced that a final order on resuming toll operations will be issued on Friday, following a detailed assessment of the situation on the ground.
During proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, requested that toll collection be allowed to resume. He urged that the state government be directed to take active measures to manage traffic and reduce congestion at the toll plaza.
However, the Thrissur District Collector reported that traffic conditions remain largely unchanged. He highlighted severe congestion in key areas along the National Highway, including Amballur and Muringur, while also noting significant traffic buildup in Perambra and Chirangara during peak hours. The persistence of such bottlenecks has continued to affect daily commuters and commercial transport along this critical route.
Responding to these reports, the High Court directed the Collector to personally inspect the Paliyekkara toll plaza and surrounding areas today. The court emphasized the need for immediate instructions and measures to alleviate the traffic snarls, ensuring smooth movement for both local and through traffic.
The Paliyekkara toll collection was initially banned on August 6, 2025, after the court recognized the severity of traffic congestion caused by ongoing toll operations. The decision to extend the suspension reflects the continuing challenges faced by commuters and the need for effective traffic management solutions before toll collection can safely resume.
Authorities are now expected to submit a detailed report after the on-site inspection, outlining actionable steps to reduce congestion, streamline traffic flow, and determine whether conditions are suitable for reinstating toll operations. The court’s monitoring underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure revenue needs and public convenience, highlighting the priority of commuter safety and traffic efficiency on this heavily used national highway.