The National Highways Authority of India will begin toll collection at Nattika on the NH 66 stretch between Kodungallur and Kappirikkad from October 8, even as Congress and CPM plan protests alleging that several road and bridge works remain incomplete.
According to communications issued by NHAI, cars, jeeps and other light motor vehicles will pay Rs 120 for a single journey and Rs 180 for a return journey on the same day. Commercial vehicles in these categories will be charged Rs 195 for a single journey and Rs 290 for a same-day return trip.
Buses and trucks will pay Rs 405 for a single journey and Rs 610 for a return journey on the same day. NHAI has also fixed a monthly pass of Rs 360 for non-commercial vehicles owned by residents living within 20km of the toll plaza. The communication includes separate rates for other vehicle categories.
The planned collection has triggered opposition in the Thrissur region. CPM district secretary K V Abdul Khader said work on bridges at Orumanayoor in Chavakkad, Chettuva and Vadanappally had not been completed. He also said approach-road construction remained unfinished in areas including Edamuttam and Moonnupeedika.
“Starting toll collection is against NHAI’s own earlier decision,” Khader said, announcing that the CPM would launch protests against the move. The party has planned an agitation at the toll plaza.
Congress leaders have raised similar objections. Nattika Congress block committee president P I Shoukhathali alleged that work on five bridges, including those at Kodungallur and Chettuva, was incomplete. He also said construction of drains had not been finished. Congress will take out a march to the toll plaza on Thursday and continue its agitation until the remaining works are completed, he said.
NHAI project director Praveen said toll would be collected only on portions of the road where work had been completed. He said boards had been displayed at locations where toll collection would not take place because construction remained incomplete.
Praveen also rejected allegations that streetlights had not been installed along the NH 66 stretch. The authority’s position means the tolling arrangement will distinguish between completed and unfinished sections of the corridor, while the protests will focus on whether collection should begin before all associated works are finished.
