Kochi: As traffic congestion caused by road works continues to disrupt the Edappally–Mannuthy stretch of NH-544, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to produce the time period stipulated in its agreement with the contractor for completing the project. A Division Bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar VMenon issued this directive while hearing a writ petition regarding persistent traffic congestion on the highway.

Commuters have been repeatedly complaining about severe traffic bottlenecks at Koratty, Muringoor and Amballoor, where construction is progressing.

Earlier, the High Court had suspended toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza following a 12-hour blockade attributed to ongoing NHAI-sanctioned construction works. Though the suspension was extended through subsequent orders, it was eventually lifted on October 17 after the Additional Solicitor General assured the court that all safety concerns would be addressed promptly.

Following this, an Interim Traffic Management Committee was formed to propose solutions to ease traffic issues.

Meanwhile, Thrissur District Collector raised concerns over safety hazards, including deep excavations along the stretch. The court has directed NHAI to rectify the issues highlighted by the Interim Committee in a time-bound manner and report compliance to the committee.

When the petition came up for hearing on Tuesday, the District Collector, appearing online, submitted that the stretch lacked adequate lighting and proper hazard signage.

It was also submitted that although preliminary work began in September 2024, construction remains in its early stages even after more than a year. The court has therefore directed NHAI to produce the contractual timeline agreed upon with the contractor by the next hearing.

The Interim Committee’s report—placed on record today—also flagged the lack of traffic guards at Koratty junction. The Additional Solicitor General informed the court that 16 guards have been deployed and that the government has been asked to provide 50 more, with necessary steps already initiated.

The court further directed NHAI to ensure full compliance with all safety recommendations made by the Interim Traffic Management Committee.

The matter has been posted for further consideration on December 9.

(With Live Law inputs)