The Kerala High Court has declined to temporarily stay toll collection at the Nattika Fee Plaza located on NH-66. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar was considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by P.K. Anilkumar, a resident of Nattika, challenging the proposed fee collection at the plaza. He argued that the proposed levy was based on administrative approvals even though the highway works were pending. The court reiterated its order in another PIL filed by former MP T.N. Prathapan challenging the same toll collection.
The Union government informed the court that work on 51 kilometres of the 60-km stretch was completed. It stated that only the proportionate toll amount was being collected, in accordance with the notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Union stated that as per the governing rules, once the completion certificate was issued, the toll collection should start within 45 days, when the work was carried out using public funds. It contended that the local residents were only charged ₹360 for the month. Further, it argued that the 51-km stretch was currently in use.
Mr. Anilkumar also expressed concern over the condition of the flyovers at Edamuttam and Vadanapally. He stated that both structures were in the initial stage of construction and were yet to be brought into full use. He filed his observations on inadequate street lighting over substantial portions of the 60-km stretch and that several locations lacked sufficient signage indicating diversions, merging lanes, ongoing construction, and changes in traffic movement.
He further pointed out that the proposed toll collection directly impacted the residents of Nattika and neighbouring localities, as the plaza was within the area used for their routine local travel. The court directed the authorities concerned to consider the representations filed by Mr. Anilkumar in this regard and posted the matter for further consideration to November 4.
Published - October 14, 2026 09:42 pm IST