Kerala High Court Grants Commuters Further Respite: Paliyekkara Toll Suspension Extended Amid Incomplete Roadworks

In a significant win for commuters and public interest, the Kerala High Court has once again extended the suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza on National Highway 544. This crucial decision, pushing the suspension until May 31, comes as a direct response to the ongoing incomplete status of critical road infrastructure, specifically the Kunnamkulam - Wadakkancherry stretch of NH 544.

The ruling provides much-needed relief to thousands of motorists who traverse the busy highway, reaffirming the court's stance that full services must be delivered before the public is charged.

The extension follows a series of petitions filed by the Chalakudy Puthukkad National Highway Action Council, which has consistently highlighted the developer's failure to complete essential components of the highway project.

Key issues cited in the council's arguments, and acknowledged by the court, include the unbuilt service roads and the glaring absence of proper lighting along significant portions of the highway.

These deficiencies not only compromise the safety and convenience of road users but also directly contradict the conditions under which toll collection is permissible.

The court's decision on Friday marked another chapter in this protracted legal battle. Justice Devan Ramachandran, overseeing the case, had previously ordered a temporary halt to toll collection, with that order expiring on April 30.

The developer, IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited, had sought to resume toll collection, arguing that a significant portion of the work was complete. However, the High Court maintained its firm position, emphasizing that partial completion does not justify full toll charges when critical amenities are still missing.

During earlier hearings, the court had made it unequivocally clear that toll collection would remain suspended until all necessary service roads and adequate lighting facilities were fully operational and installed.

This latest extension underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting public interests and ensuring accountability from infrastructure developers.

The Chalakudy Puthukkad National Highway Action Council has consistently advocated that toll collection should not be reinstated until the entire 28.5 km stretch, including all service roads, underpasses, and lighting, is completed to the required standards.

This latest order from the Kerala High Court offers further validation to their demands, providing commuters with extended relief and setting a precedent for similar infrastructure projects across the state.