The Kerala High Court has extended the suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on NH‑544, directing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a detailed report on the completion of works before resuming tolling. The Bench, comprising Justices A. Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V. Menon, emphasized that the safety of motorists and the integrity of infrastructure must take precedence over revenue collection, highlighting the responsibility of NHAI to ensure that the highway is fully functional and safe before imposing any toll charges.
During the hearing, NHAI’s counsel presented a compliance report detailing the remedial works carried out so far, including road repairs, leveling, and other infrastructural improvements. However, the Court found that the report lacked clarity regarding whether all necessary works had been completed to guarantee safe traffic movement. The bench expressed concern that collecting tolls while critical work remained unfinished could place motorists at risk and amount to an unfair financial burden, particularly when the highway’s operational safety was in question.
The Court instructed NHAI to file a comprehensive report that explicitly enumerates the works already undertaken, identifies any remaining tasks, and provides a firm timeline for completion. Only upon receiving and reviewing this report will the Court consider permitting resumption of toll collection. The bench made it clear that partial or incomplete compliance would not suffice, as tolling on unsafe or inadequately maintained stretches could endanger public safety and violate principles of fairness in public service delivery.
This decision reinforces the High Court’s consistent stance that infrastructure development and maintenance must precede revenue generation. By extending the suspension, the Court underscored the necessity for accountability, transparency, and safety in the administration of national highways. The ruling also serves as a reminder to government authorities and agencies like NHAI that procedural compliance and operational readiness are prerequisites for imposing charges on road users.
The matter will continue to be monitored by the Court, and further hearings are scheduled to review the report submitted by NHAI. The High Court’s intervention demonstrates its commitment to balancing revenue interests with public safety, ensuring that motorists are not penalized financially for deficiencies in infrastructure or incomplete roadwork. By requiring a detailed report and verification before resuming toll collection, the Court has set a clear precedent emphasizing the priority of safety and accountability in public infrastructure management.
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