Vadakkencherry commuters pay toll three years, highway safety works still undone
Commuters on the six-lane national highway connecting Vadakkencherry and Mannuthy are facing a perplexing reality: tolls have been collected for three years, yet a substantial portion of the promised infrastructure remains unfinished. Over 30 critical construction works, including vital safety measures intended to prevent hazards such as landslides, continue to languish in various stages of incompletion. This protracted delay not only burdens daily travellers with higher costs but also raises serious questions about accountability and the integrity of public infrastructure projects in the region.
When the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) granted permission to Thrissur Expressway Limited to commence toll collection on March 9, 2022, a clear directive was issued: 42 pending works on the stretch were to be completed within a stringent 90-day timeframe. However, the ground reality paints a starkly different picture. More than two years beyond that deadline, fewer than ten of these essential tasks have been brought to fruition. This significant disparity between mandated timelines and actual progress highlights a profound operational inefficiency that directly impacts the daily lives and safety of thousands of road users.
Adding to the complexity and public disquiet, the NHAI controversially issued a completion certificate for the highway on June 14, 2024, despite the glaring presence of numerous unfinished works. While the authority has reportedly imposed penalties on the concessionaire for these delays, the financial burden ultimately falls upon the commuters. They are compelled to pay full toll rates for a highway that does not yet deliver on its complete promise of modern, safe, and efficient travel. This situation underscores a critical gap in regulatory oversight, where punitive measures against contractors do not translate into immediate relief or improved service for the paying public.
The financial implications for commuters are particularly burdensome. Reports indicate that the toll rates at Panniyankara, along this six-lane stretch, are notably higher when compared to charges at nearby toll plazas such as Walayar and Paliyekkara. This discrepancy is a source of considerable frustration, as travellers are effectively paying a premium for an incomplete service. The absence of promised facilities and critical safety enhancements, coupled with elevated toll charges, creates an inequitable scenario where the public bears the cost of project delays and deficiencies.
Beyond the financial strain, the incomplete safety measures pose tangible risks. In a region susceptible to natural phenomena like landslides, the neglect of such critical infrastructure elements is a serious concern. A truly sustainable and resilient urban and inter-city transport network must prioritise the safety of its users above all else. The ongoing stagnation of these vital works undermines the very purpose of modern highway development, which should aim to provide secure and predictable travel environments, thereby fostering trust in public infrastructure initiatives.
This ongoing situation on the Vadakkencherry-Mannuthy highway serves as a potent case study in the challenges of large-scale public-private partnership projects. It brings into sharp focus the need for more rigorous monitoring, transparent enforcement of contractual obligations, and a stronger commitment to public welfare. For cities striving to be eco-friendly and equitable, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed to their full specifications, on time, and without undue financial burden on citizens, is paramount. The current scenario calls for immediate intervention to ensure that the highway delivers the complete value for which commuters are already paying.
