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8h ago

Courts Tighten Toll Collection as Kerala Freeze Continues, Himachal Stops Sanwara Fees

Courts are tying user charges to verified safe access, using on‑ground checks to enforce maintenance obligations on NHAI.

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High court on August 28, in wake of the repeated disruption of the Chandigarh–Shimla National Highway (NH-5), had rapped NHAI for failing to maintain the premium highway, cautioning that toll collection at the Sanwara plaza could be suspended if urgent corrective steps are not taken. (File)

Overview

  • The Kerala High Court extended the stop on tolls at Paliyekkara on NH‑544 until further orders and will decide on resumption after verifying the main carriageway and diversion routes.
  • An Interim Traffic Management Committee led by the Thrissur District Collector told the court it is satisfied with NHAI’s recent repairs, though the bench will assess substantial compliance before lifting the freeze.
  • NHAI filed a compliance report and its counsel said the agency remains committed to addressing quality concerns as issues arise.
  • Police earlier reported bottlenecks and accidents on service roads near underpass and flyover works, which were central to the petitions that prompted the suspension.
  • In a parallel move, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered toll collection at Sanwara on NH‑5 halted from September 20 to October 30, citing poor road conditions, directing the Solan deputy commissioner to assist NHAI, seeking contractor details, and setting the next hearing for October 30.