Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday indicated that toll collection at Paliyekkara on National Highway-544 will resume from Monday, September 22. The collection had been suspended since August 6 due to poor road conditions and severe congestion caused by ongoing overbridge construction.

A Division Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon, while hearing petitions against the toll, said the suspension would be lifted subject to conditions. The Bench stressed that periodic monitoring would continue. According to Bar and Bench and Live Law, the formal order regarding resumption of toll can be expected on Monday.

Background of suspension and Supreme Court appeal

The suspension, ordered by the High Court in August, had been challenged by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) before the Supreme Court. However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, leaving the High Court to oversee the matter. Media outlets reported that traffic blocks had previously lasted up to 12 hours, triggering the suspension.

Committee’s report on road conditions

Following the suspension, an Interim Traffic Management Committee was constituted with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Regional Transport Officer to monitor conditions. Chaired by Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian, the committee inspected stretches and consulted the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre.

Its September 16 report confirmed repairs of potholes and levelling of service roads, while noting that long-term relief depends on the delayed underpass works. Reports from police and transport authorities supported these findings.

Next hearing scheduled

The Bench also considered submissions from the Additional Solicitor General, who highlighted financial strain on employees during the suspension. With compliance reports in place, the case has been posted for orders on Monday, when the toll collection is expected to formally resume.