Mon Nov 03 14:24:37 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Kerala High Court has instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address safety concerns and traffic issues on the Edappally-Mannuthy NH 544 corridor in a timely manner. This follows complaints about persistent traffic snarls despite the resumption of toll collection on October 17, 2025. A traffic management committee raised the safety concerns. The court has ordered NHAI to submit a compliance report by mid-November. A Congress leader has challenged the legality of continued toll collection, arguing that the project cost has already been recovered and that congestion persists. Concerns are mounting that traffic will worsen during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
News Article:
Kerala High Court Orders NHAI to Fix Traffic Woes on NH 544 Corridor
Kochi, India – November 3, 2025 – The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to urgently address persistent safety concerns and traffic congestion on the Edappally-Mannuthy NH 544 toll corridor. The court order comes after numerous complaints from commuters regarding severe traffic snarls despite the resumption of toll collection on October 17.
The court suspended toll collection from August 6, following a slew of petitions expressing concern at traffic snarls (including a 12 hour long one), and those that sought a direction to the NHAI to ensure safe and smooth flow of vehicles on the stretch. A traffic management committee was constituted to ready an interim traffic management plan.
The ruling mandates NHAI to submit a compliance report by mid-November outlining the steps taken to resolve these issues. Safety hazards related to deep excavation sites have been specifically highlighted.
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader Shaji J. Kodankandath has challenged the legality of continued toll collection, arguing that Guruvayoor Infrastructure Private Ltd, the company responsible for developing the corridor, has already recouped the project’s costs and made a reasonable profit. He argues that motorists paying the toll should not face constant traffic bottlenecks, which continue to plague areas like Muringur and Amballur.
Concerns are escalating that traffic flow will worsen significantly with the impending Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The influx of vehicles carrying pilgrims from across Kerala and neighboring states is expected to exacerbate the already strained infrastructure. Kodankandath is seeking a court order to suspend toll collection at the Paliyekkara Plaza until underpasses are completed at key junctions like Amballur, Chirangara, Karukutti, Mulangu, and Koratty. The High Court’s intervention underscores the growing frustration with the ongoing delays in completing the widening and improvement of the critical highway corridor.
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