Increased rate should not be collected: High Court lifts toll ban at Paliyekkara

KOCHI: The High Court has lifted the ban on toll collection at Paliyekkara on the National Highway in Thrissur. The action was taken considering reports that traffic has improved on service roads where the underpass is being constructed. Meanwhile, a division bench comprising Justice A Muhammad Mushtaq and Justice Harishankar V Menon said that the recently increased rate should not be collected until further orders. The High Court had banned toll collection 71 days ago due to traffic congestion. With the ban lifted, toll collection resumed at 5:30 pm yesterday.

The monitoring committee headed by the district collector reported that traffic congestion and safety issues continue, although there are ongoing repairs. The central government has assured that these issues will be resolved on a priority basis. Taking note of this, the court directed the submission of a progress report after two weeks.

"An average of Rs 15 crore was collected per month as toll in Paliyekkara. If the ban is prolonged, it will lead to legal proceedings between the government and the contractors. The construction of the underpass is for the public good. There will be inconveniences where road construction is going on. The people should also cooperate," the court clarified, reinstating the toll.

People should not be on the losing side

The court temporarily stayed the imposition of the revised toll, saying that the people should not be on the losing side. "The authorities have informed that it will take another eight months for the highway to be restored. The case is not being closed and appropriate instructions will be given at each stage," the court said.