Kerala HC seeks report on ongoing works along Edappally-Mannuthy stretch of NH 544

Kochi: High court on Thursday sought a report from the interim traffic management committee, constituted to monitor construction works along the Edappally-Mannuthy stretch of NH 544, on the progress of road widening, underpass construction and the rectification of blackspots along the stretch.The bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar issued the directive in response to PILs filed by Shaji J Kodankandath of Thrissur and others, challenging the toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza in Thrissur in light of severe traffic congestion caused by the ongoing construction of underpasses along the stretch. HC also observed that all construction, repair and other related works needed to be completed before the onset of monsoon. Accordingly, HC adjourned the PILs to May 28.During hearing, additional solicitor general A R L Sundaresan, appearing on behalf of the central govt, submitted that rectification works at the identified blackspots had already commenced and would be completed before the onset of monsoon. Accordingly, HC directed the interim traffic management committee, constituted by HC and headed by the Thrissur district collector, to file a progress report on the ongoing works.HC had, in Aug 2025, suspended toll collection at Paliyekkara after noting heavy traffic snarls and the poor condition of the road due to the construction activities. The Supreme Court later upheld this order and categorically stated that NHAI could approach HC to seek revocation of the suspension once smooth traffic was restored.Following rectification works carried out on a war footing, the authorities repeatedly requested HC to permit the resumption of toll collection. Accordingly, considering several factors, including the need to balance public grievances with infrastructure development such as road widening and underpass construction, HC granted permission to resume toll collection in Oct 2025.