NH-544 Traffic Snarl: Kerala High Court To Reconsider Toll Suspension As Interim Panel Finds NHAI's Repair Works Satisfactory

The Kerala High Court today orally observed that it will consider lifting suspension of toll collection at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza (Thrissur district) on NH-544 highway, in light of the repair works carried out by the National Highway Authority of India.More than a month has lapsed since toll collection was suspended by the High Court, following a 12-hour blockade purportedly due to ongoing construction projects sanctioned by NHAI.The Interim Traffic Management Committee, tasked to oversee the congested stretch of the highway, today informed the High Court that it is "satisfied" with the works carried out by NHAI.Hearing this, the division bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon orally remarked,"We will be considering whether there is substantial compliance and whether suspension of toll collection should be lifted or not."The District Collector had previously inspected the stretch and pointed issues of uneven surfaces and culvert works. The Court had then directed the NHAI to submit a compliance report to the District Collector and the Interim Committee.It is in this response that the NHAI filed a report. While the Interim Committee has expressed satisfaction, it also emphasized the need for NHAI to ensure sustained function and performance. "We understand that there are certain reservations on the quality of works that are being done by us. We remain committed as observed by the Committee to ensure that as and when an issue arises," counsel for NHAI submitted today."We are only rushing now because we have suspended the collection of toll," the court told the counsel and listed the matter for further consideration tomorrow.Case Title - Shaji J Kodankadath v Union of India and connected casesCase No - WP(C) 20253/2021 and connected casesCounsel for Petitioners - K B Gangesh, Smitha Chathanarambath, Amal S Kumar, Athira A Menon, John Varghese, V Praveen, Sonu Augustine, Premchand M, Sreelakshmi Sabu, P K Subhash, Anoop V Nair, Tanoosha PaulCounsel for Respondents - O M Shalina (DSG), Nanavati Maulik G, Arun Thomas, Jennis Stephen, Anil Sebastian Pulickel, P Martin Jose, P Prijith, Thomas P Kurivila, Ajay Ben Jose, Manjunath Menon, Hani P Nair, R Githesh, Sachin Jacob Ambat, Anna Lind Eden, Harikrishnan S, Mathews K Philip, T C Krishna, C Dinesh, B G Bidan Chandran, Mathews Nevin Thomas, Kurian Antony Mathew, R Githesh, Sachin Jacob Ambat, N Manoj Kumar (State Attorney), C Harikumar, Sandra Sunny, Arun Kumar M A, Farah Jyothi Pradeep, Anavadya Sanil Kumar, Anjali Krishna

NH-544 Traffic Snarl: Kerala High Court To Reconsider Toll Suspension As Interim Panel Finds NHAI's Repair Works Satisfactory

Anamika MJ

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