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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Sunday, 16 February 2025 9.16 PM IST

Multiple toll charges on a single journey; toll plazas likely to be established on 150 KIIFB-funded roads, will lead to price hike

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to implement toll collection on roads constructed by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), based on the National Highway Authority’s (NHAI) standard of one toll for every 60 kilometres.

More than 150 roads have been constructed with over Rs 50 crore from KIIFB funds. The National Highway Authority has decided to establish 10 toll plazas once the 645-kilometre NH-66 stretch from Thalapady in Kasaragod to Karode in Thiruvananthapuram is fully developed. This is in addition to the toll plaza at Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram. This means vehicle owners will have to pay toll charges frequently, regardless of where they travel. Moreover, the Outer Ring Road announced as part of NH projects will also have toll collection.

The meeting attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister KN Balagopal and Industries Minister P. Rajeev approved KIIFB's proposal to levy tolls on roads where construction costs exceeded Rs 50 crore. If the state cabinet also approves this decision, travellers will have to pay tolls on more than 100 roads in Kerala. It must be noted that Kerala is the state that collects the highest vehicle tax.

Multiple tolls on a single journey: Price of goods to rise

Toll rates on national highways exceed Rs 100 for cars. Goods trucks must pay more than Rs 500 per trip, causing higher prices for essential goods, including vegetables. Increased tolls for tourist taxis and buses will affect tourism.

Public transport buses using national highways will also have to pay toll charges. In Karnataka, toll collection led to an increase of up to Rs 20 in bus fares.

NH-66 toll plaza locations in Kerala
Two toll plazas each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. One toll plaza each in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

TAGS: TOLL COLLECTION, KIIFB ROADS, KERALA GOVERNMENT, TOLL PLAZA
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