NH 66 toll collection at Kerala’s Nattika suspended amid protests

Warnings that an early start could lead to severe traffic congestion have led the Keralam government to halt toll collection at Nattika in Thrissur.

The suspension will remain in place while construction on the Kodungallur-Kaprikkad stretch is incomplete, with officials cautioning that toll collection at this stage could disrupt traffic and cause considerable inconvenience to commuters.

Pending works cited

The decision followed reports submitted by the District Collector and the police on the likely impact of commencing toll collection before the road work is finished.

Several parts of the project are still incomplete, including the service road on the Kodungallur-Kaprikkad section and approach roads to bridges.

Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer directed the District Collector to convene a meeting with police officials, people’s representatives and officials from the departments concerned.

The meeting is intended to assess the situation and help officials take an appropriate decision on the toll plaza’s operation.

The Minister also instructed the Collector to inspect the site and submit a detailed report.

A decision on starting toll collection will be taken only after the pending road works are completed and smooth and safe traffic movement is ensured, Basheer assured.

Blockade at toll plaza

The government’s order came after United Democratic Front (UDF) activists staged a blockade at the Nattika toll plaza against the proposed commencement of toll collection.

A mild scuffle broke out between the police and protesters who blocked the plaza in the morning.

The protesters demanded that toll collection be deferred until construction of national highway 66 is fully completed.

The incomplete road works have emerged as the main point of contention in the opposition to toll collection.

Various political parties, except the BJP, have announced protests against the proposed collection of toll at the plaza.

A heavy police contingent was deployed around the toll plaza in anticipation of the protests.

The suspension therefore links any future start of toll collection to two conditions stated by the government: completion of the remaining works and the restoration of smooth and safe traffic movement.

Source: The Hindu