Kerala High Court Extends Toll Suspension At Paliyekkara On NH 544, Directs Fresh Traffic Inspection

The Kerala High Court has ordered a fresh traffic inspection of the stretch of NH 544 where a 12-hour blockade was recently reported, leading to the HC suspending toll collection at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza (Thrissur district).Division bench comprising Justice A Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon have directed the District Collector of Thrissur and the Interim Traffic Management Committee to conduct a fresh inspection in the presence of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials.Meanwhile, it has extended the interim suspension of toll collection until the next hearing, i.e. September 09.The Court were considering the writ petitions filed over severe traffic congestion in the Mannuthy–Edappally stretch of NH 544, particularly near the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza, due to ongoing construction, especially the underpass projects sanctioned by NHAI.Earlier this month, on August 06, the High Court had ordered a four-week suspension of toll collection at Paliyekkara, citing unmanageable traffic conditions, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court on August 18.The Interim Traffic Management Committee, constituted pursuant to the Court's directions, submitted its inspection report after visiting several locations along NH 544 on August 23. The Committee noted that the recurring congestion was primarily the result of diverted traffic and insufficient capacity of service roads.“The only lasting solution is the systematic repair and strengthening of service roads,” the Committee observed, recommending widening of service lanes wherever safety permitted.During the hearing, counsel for the NHAI argued that substantial works had already been completed, enabling smoother traffic movement. He urged the Court to allow a fresh inspection with NHAI's participation and requested that the matter be reconsidered during the vacation period to lift the suspension of toll collection.Taking note of the submissions, the Bench directed that another inspection be carried out by the District Collector and the Interim Committee, with NHAI officials in attendance, within the next two weeks. The Court maintained that the congestion “remains as of now” and ruled that toll collection would continue to remain suspended until further orders.The matter is now posted for further consideration on September 9, 2025.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,Counsel for Respondents - O M Shalina, 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,Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

Kerala High Court Extends Toll Suspension At Paliyekkara On NH 544, Directs Fresh Traffic Inspection

Anamika MJ

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