Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a strong warning that toll collection at Paliyekkara will be suspended if the ongoing traffic congestion on the Edappally-Mannuthy stretch of the National Highway remains unresolved within a week.

The court on Wednesday was addressing delays caused by the underpass construction along the route, which has led to frequent traffic snarls. The bench, consisting of Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Johnson John, observed that the issue must be rectified without further delay.

During the hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General representing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) assured the court that the situation would be addressed within a week.

The warning came in response to a petition filed by Congress leader Shaji Kodankandath, who demanded a halt to toll collection on the severely congested highway section.

The court directed the NHAI to submit a response if it cannot resolve the issue within the given timeframe and to explain why toll collection should not be suspended.

Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, representing the Centre, argued that only a 4.8 km portion of the stretch is currently affected, while the remaining 65 km is clear. He informed the court that a meeting with the state government is being planned to discuss a possible resolution.

The case will be reviewed again on July 16.