Tue Aug 26 15:44:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

The Kerala High Court has extended the suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on NH-544 until September 9th, 2025. This decision follows persistent traffic congestion on the corridor, despite NHAI’s reported remedial measures. The court has ordered a new inspection of the traffic situation by the District Collector of Thrissur and the interim traffic management committee, in cooperation with NHAI officials, within two weeks. The suspension was initially prompted by petitions citing significant traffic snarls caused by ongoing construction and the inadequate condition of service roads.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Extends Toll Suspension at Paliyekkara Amid Traffic Woes**

KOCHI – August 26, 2025 – The Kerala High Court has prolonged the interim suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on National Highway 544 (NH-544) until September 9th, citing ongoing concerns over traffic congestion in the area. The decision, announced Tuesday, follows a 12-hour traffic jam that occurred earlier this month on the Edapally-Paliyekkara stretch.

The court, consisting of Justice A. Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V. Menon, has also mandated a fresh inspection of the traffic situation. The District Collector of Thrissur, along with the interim traffic management committee, will conduct the inspection within the next two weeks, working in conjunction with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The initial suspension was implemented after several petitions were filed by concerned citizens and political figures, including KPCC secretary Shaji Kodankandath and Thrissur DCC president Joseph Tajet. These petitions highlighted the severe traffic snarls resulting from ongoing flyover and underpass construction, compounded by the poor condition of service roads. The petitioners demanded a halt to toll collection until a viable solution was found.

While NHAI claims to have implemented substantial remedial measures at bottlenecked locations, the court remains unconvinced that the traffic situation has improved sufficiently. The traffic management committee has stated that a comprehensive solution requires systematic repair and widening of service roads.

The NHAI has requested participation in the new inspection and urged the court to consider lifting the toll suspension during the upcoming vacation period, but so far the court has extended the suspension. The Supreme Court previously upheld the High Court’s initial ruling to bar toll collection for four weeks. The outcome of the upcoming inspection will be crucial in determining the future of toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza.

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