The Kerala High Court issued an interim order directing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure compliance with its own guidelines at the Paliyekkara toll plaza in Thrissur. The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by O.J. Janeesh, who sought regulation of traffic and relief from congestion at the toll plaza.

What do the NHAI guidelines specify?

According to existing NHAI rules, vehicles with FasTag must pass through toll booths within 10 seconds. Additionally, the length of queues at the toll plaza should not exceed 100 metres. If this limit is breached, the guidelines state that vehicles should be allowed to pass without being charged. The High Court ordered strict implementation of these norms and instructed the NHAI to file an affidavit if it fails to comply. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 21.

Why was toll collection suspended earlier?

On April 28, the District Collector of Thrissur temporarily suspended toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza. The decision was made due to severe traffic congestion, which was attributed mainly to the ongoing construction of an underpass on National Highway 544. The Collector also asked the NHAI to take urgent steps, with police assistance, to ensure smooth traffic flow.

What followed the suspension of toll collection?

The toll collection suspension order was withdrawn the very next day after the NHAI assured authorities that corrective measures would be taken to address the traffic congestion.