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Kochi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has informed the high court that toll collection at Nattika in Thrissur commenced after construction was completed on 51km of the 60km Kappirikkad-Kodungallur stretch of National Highway 66. It was further submitted that toll collection commenced after the completion certificate was obtained and that the applicable rules stipulate that toll collection must begin within 45 days of the issuance of the certificate. The bench adjourned the matter to Nov 4.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. NHAI’s counsel further submitted that toll was being collected only for the completed 51km stretch at a proportionate rate. These submissions were made in response to PILs filed by former MP T N Prathapan and Nattika resident Anil Pillikkal, alleging that toll collection had begun despite incomplete service roads and deficiencies in other essential infrastructure, including flyovers, other structures and safety facilities. NHAI counsel added that the carriageway along the completed 51km stretch was clear and open to traffic. Only two viaducts and a flyover along the remaining stretch, covering around 9km, were pending, and toll was not being collected for that portion. The petitioners, however, argued that toll collection could begin only after the entire work was completed. They further alleged that signboards and warning signs indicating diversions, merging lanes, ongoing construction, incomplete works and changes in traffic movement were either absent or inadequate at several locations. Download the TOI App.
Toll collection at Nattika, which had been suspended following protests by various sections, resumed on Monday after an all-party meeting failed to reach a consensus on the issue. Hearing the case on Wednesday, a bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar directed the NHAI to file an affidavit detailing the claims made by it within three weeks.