Kasaragod (Kerala): Traffic on National Highway 66 was blocked on Monday as over 500 protesters opposed the start of toll collection at the Arikady toll plaza. The protest, led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf, escalated into a sit-in, forcing authorities to deploy more than 300 police personnel to manage the situation.

What protesters are arguing

The demonstrators, who had formed an action council last year, contend that the toll plaza is too close to the next toll point at Thalapady—just 22 km away.

They argue that this violates the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) guideline, which requires a minimum distance of 60 km between two toll plazas.

MLA Ashraf criticised the start of toll collection at a temporary booth, saying:

“We did not expect toll collection to begin as the case is pending before the court. We will defeat any such attempt as more people will arrive to protest against this injustice.”

He added:

“It is basic courtesy that toll collection should not be conducted until the case before the court is disposed of.”

The counterargument from authorities

Toll operators said the temporary toll plaza at Arikady is only a stopgap measure. The permanent facility is planned for Chalingal, but construction of that stretch has not yet been completed.

Despite protesters’ objections, the NHAI and district administration confirmed that toll collection at the temporary site would continue, pending legal proceedings.

What happened in the past

Last year, the Kerala High Court dismissed petitions challenging the temporary toll plaza at Arikady. The action council has since filed an appeal against this decision.

During Monday’s protest, police eventually arrested the demonstrators, including MLA Ashraf, and cleared the road. By around 10 am, traffic resumed, though security at the toll plaza remains in place and toll collection has officially begun.