Paliyekkara Toll Hike Alert: Drivers Brace for Steep Increase as Plaza Reopens

Get ready, commuters! The Paliyekkara toll plaza, a familiar yet often contentious landmark on Kerala’s highways, is gearing up for its grand — and costly — reopening. After a period of closure that brought a brief respite to motorists, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given the green light for operations to resume, but with a significant catch: dramatically increased toll rates that are bound to pinch pockets across the board.

Sources confirm that the revised charges will be implemented the moment the gates swing open.

This hike isn't a minor adjustment; it's a substantial jump that will impact everything from private cars to multi-axle freight carriers. The move follows the expiration of the previous 15-year contract period, paving the way for the implementation of new, higher tariffs.

For those driving cars, vans, or jeeps, a single trip will now cost you Rs 80, up from the previous Rs 65.

Frequent travelers opting for a return journey within 24 hours will see their bill rise from Rs 95 to Rs 120. Monthly pass holders, often daily commuters, face a staggering increase from Rs 2,130 to Rs 2,670 – a considerable jump that will add hundreds to their monthly expenditure.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and mini-buses are not spared either.

Their single trip rate climbs from Rs 110 to Rs 130, while a return journey will now set them back Rs 200, an increase from Rs 165. The monthly pass for these vehicles will escalate from Rs 3,500 to a hefty Rs 4,400.

Buses and trucks (two-axle) will face even steeper charges. A single trip will jump from Rs 220 to Rs 260, and a return journey from Rs 330 to Rs 390.

Their monthly pass will see a significant leap from Rs 7,340 to Rs 8,700, reflecting the substantial increase in operating costs for transportation companies.

Finally, for multi-axle vehicles, the impact is profound. Three to six-axle vehicles will now pay Rs 415 for a single trip (up from Rs 340) and Rs 620 for a return journey (up from Rs 510).

Their monthly pass will be Rs 13,760, up from Rs 11,405. For vehicles with seven or more axles, the single trip rate climbs from Rs 535 to Rs 795, a return journey from Rs 805 to Rs 1,190, and a monthly pass will cost an eye-watering Rs 26,450, a significant increase from Rs 17,805.

This widespread increase is poised to ignite fresh debates among the public and political circles regarding the fairness and necessity of such steep hikes.

While the NHAI asserts these revisions are standard practice post-contract expiration, the timing and magnitude of the increase are likely to spark considerable public outcry, adding to the financial burden of a state already grappling with rising living costs. Motorists are advised to factor in these new charges as they plan their journeys through the Paliyekkara stretch.