The Kerala High Court has expressed grave concern over the persistent traffic snarl-ups plaguing the Edappally-Thrissur National Highway (NH)-544 corridor, a critical artery for the state’s economic and social flow. This judicial intervention stems from mounting pleas by motorists demanding a halt to toll collection at the Paliyekkara booth until essential flyovers and underpasses are completed. The ongoing congestion underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure delivery to ensure sustainable and efficient urban mobility.
The High Court’s recent hearing on the motorists’ pleas saw the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) requesting additional time to file its response, leading to an adjournment. The Kerala government, meanwhile, informed the court that the Chief Secretary had convened a stakeholder meeting to address the issue, indicating a collaborative effort to decongest this vital corridor. The continuous delays and traffic bottlenecks on NH-544 are not merely an inconvenience; they represent a significant impediment to regional commerce, increasing fuel consumption and vehicular emissions.
NHAI had previously attributed the traffic snarl-ups on the NH-544 corridor to ongoing construction work for underpasses at five different locations. However, the High Court, in July, firmly asserted the right of toll-paying motorists to commute through the highway without encountering traffic snarl-ups and potholes. It issued a stern directive to NHAI to take immediate steps to decongest the stretch within a week, warning that toll collection would be halted if the congestion persisted, thereby holding the authority accountable for service delivery.
A month prior, the High Court had already underscored NHAI’s fundamental duty to ensure safe and smooth travel for motorists, unequivocally stating that toll collection should cease if the agency failed to provide these basic conditions. This judicial stance highlights a growing emphasis on consumer rights and accountability within public infrastructure projects. The court’s insistence on timely project completion and efficient traffic management is crucial for upholding public trust and ensuring that infrastructure development genuinely serves its intended purpose.
The chronic traffic issues on NH-544 underscore broader challenges in India’s rapid infrastructure expansion, particularly the need for seamless project execution and effective traffic management during construction phases. Persistent congestion not only leads to economic losses from wasted time and fuel but also contributes significantly to urban air pollution, directly impacting public health. Addressing these snarls through expedited construction and smart traffic solutions is vital for creating zero-net-carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable cities, where efficient and sustainable mobility is a cornerstone of urban life. The ongoing judicial scrutiny serves as a powerful catalyst for ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver on their promise of improved connectivity and a better quality of life for all citizens.
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