Rs 20 fee, one-hour wait: Kerala-Karnataka border turns into traffic nightmare

Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad: Vehicles crossing into Karnataka are facing long waits at the Kerala-Karnataka border as the fee imposed as a green tax is causing severe traffic congestion at the check post.

On several days, vehicles have been forced to remain in queues for nearly an hour to pay the Rs 20 entry fee collected at the Karnataka check post. During peak days, the queue can stretch from the state border to Ponkuzhi.

People travelling to Gundlupete, Mysuru and Bengaluru are among those affected, with vehicles getting stuck on the forest road for extended periods.

The prolonged queues are also raising concerns about wildlife and pollution, as vehicles often remain with their engines running while waiting in an area surrounded by forest. The resulting air pollution could also affect the forest environment, it is pointed out.

A Rs 20 entry fee is collected from vehicles entering Karnataka from Kerala as well as from those crossing back from the Karnataka forest border into Kerala. Long waits at both points to pay the fee add to the inconvenience.

A large number of people cross the border daily for agricultural and other purposes, and the delays are resulting in significant loss of time. Travellers have suggested introducing an online payment facility or a similar system so that the fee can be paid in advance, reducing waiting time and easing congestion at the check post.