Kochi: The Kerala High Court has extended the suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on NH-544 in Thrissur, citing reports of traffic congestion caused by ongoing work being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

A Division Bench comprising Justice A Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon directed the NHAI to file a report on the completion of the work before the next hearing. The court observed that traffic jams had been reported in the area and said it was necessary to get clarity on the status of the work.

The court also sought inputs from the Thrissur District Collector on the level of inconvenience faced by commuters, noting that while minor disruption is expected during construction, adequate measures must be taken to ensure smooth passage. Appearing online, the Collector said the NHAI had not fully complied with directions to guarantee safe travel along the stretch.

During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General of India submitted that the Centre was open to continuous monitoring. “Whatever has to be done we are doing it. The toll collection must be resumed. We will try to avoid future occurrences. Whatever is suggested, we will look into it and do it,” he said.

The High Court had earlier suspended toll collection at Paliyekkara for four weeks, a suspension that was extended several times following complaints of poor road conditions. An Interim Traffic Management Committee was formed to inspect the congested stretch and propose temporary solutions. The committee had flagged issues such as uneven road surfaces and incomplete culvert works, after which the NHAI was directed to submit a compliance report. Though the committee found the report satisfactory, the court later noted the collapse of a service road at Muringoor and decided not to lift the suspension.

The case will be taken up again on September 30.
(With LiveLaw inputs.)