Paliyekkara toll ban to continue: Supervisory Committee to conduct inspection

KOCHI: The High Court has extended the order to stop toll collection at Paliyekkara in Thrissur till September 9. A division bench comprising Justice A. Mohammed Mushtaq and Justice Harishankar V. Menon also directed the Interim Traffic Management Committee to conduct inspections in the presence of representatives of the National Highways Authority.

The authority had informed that the tarring was completed and traffic on the road was smooth. However, the committee stated in its report that the situation was the same as before. An inspection was ordered subsequently.

The Interim Traffic Management Committee, formed by the High Court order, consists of the Thrissur Collector, the District Police Chief and the RTO. The committee had reported that not enough workers had been appointed. The Interim Management Plan provides only temporary relief. A permanent system is needed. The service road should be made into a two-lane road, the report recommended. The committee is to monitor traffic congestion, including at the places where underpasses are being constructed, and take remedial measures.

The Supreme Court, which upheld the order suspending toll collection at Paliyekkara for four weeks, had directed that the High Court should monitor the situation to ensure smooth traffic flow. The petitions filed by Congress leaders Joseph Tajet and Shaji Kodankandath are being considered.