Kerala High Court Halts Toll at Paliyekkara Plaza Over Poor Road Conditions For 4 Weeks

The Kerala High Court suspended toll collection at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on NH 544 for four weeks, citing the National Highways Authority’s failure to address public grievances.

The Court noted ongoing congestion and impassable road conditions due to construction near the toll plaza. The batch of petitions, including a PIL, challenged the legality of a District Collector’s order allowing toll collection despite a prior suspension.

The Court observed that toll collection cannot continue when roads are unsafe and directed the Central Government, in consultation with the State and NHAI, to take remedial measures before resumption.

[Shaji J Kodankadath v Union of India and connected cases]