KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has once again extended the temporary ban on toll collection at Paliyekkara in Thrissur. The court also clarified that it would consider the matter again on Friday. The High Court had first stayed the toll collection at Paliyekkara on August 6, citing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)’s failure to resolve the severe traffic congestion caused by ongoing underpass construction in the area. Initially, the toll collection was suspended for four weeks, but it has since been extended multiple times.

The construction of underpasses at seven locations between Vaniyampara and Chirangara, without providing alternate routes, led to heavy traffic jams and frequent accidents on the Mannuthy-Edappally National Highway 544. Considering the hardships faced by the public, local activists approached the court seeking suspension of toll collection. Following this, the court intervened and suspended toll collection. The NHAI later challenged the High Court order in the Supreme Court, but the apex court upheld the High Court’s decision.

In September, the NHAI again approached the High Court, requesting to lift the ban on toll collection. However, based on the report submitted by District Collector Arjun Pandyan, the court decided to extend the ban. The latest extension was granted after the monitoring committee reported that traffic congestion and safety risks still persist in the areas where the underpass construction is ongoing.