Ban on Paliyekkara toll to continue; HC orders collector to visit place today and inspect

KOCHI: The order of the Kerala High Court banning toll collection at Paliyekkara will continue. The court clarified that it will order the resumption of the toll collection on Friday. The national highways authority's plea seeking a review of the high court order temporarily suspending toll collection was also considered today. The court sought information from the Thrissur District Collector, who appeared online in this regard, on the present condition of the road.

The Accountant General (AG) informed the high court that the issue is only at three or four places in the 60-km toll collection distance. However, the court asked the collector where the issue is. The collector replied that the problem is at a distance of five kilometres. The AG argued that the national highways authority is not deliberately neglecting road repairs. The court then asked the collector if there are any traffic snarls at any place now. The court also directed the collector to visit the place today and inspect it. The high court also pointed the Supreme Court order that tolls should be collected only after smooth traffic is ensured.