NHAI directed to stop toll collection

Kozhikode: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Wednesday issued a formal order directing the immediate stop of toll collection at Arikkady toll plaza on NH 66 in Thalappadi-Chengala-Neeleswaram stretch in Kumbala, Kasaragod."The competent authority decided to immediately stop the operation and fee collection at the toll plaza near Kumbala, Kasaragod. NHAI is directed to ensure prompt compliance of the directions of the competent authority," the order issued by MoRTH undersecretary Shantany Bhattacharjee said. NHAI began toll collection at the plaza on Jan 12, triggering widespread protests across political lines. Protesters alleged that the toll plaza violated norms on the minimum distance between toll gates, pointing out that Kumbala toll plaza is located barely 20km from Thalappady toll plaza. Following Centre's decision, rival political parties sought to claim credit. BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekar and former state president K Surendran, were the first to announce the decision on Tuesday. Manjeshwaram MLA A K M Ashraf, who was leading protests against the toll collection, said Centre's decision was a direct outcome of sustained public agitation. Meanwhile, Kasaragod police registered cases against around 500 identifiable protesters in connection with violent protests at Kumbala on Jan 14, during which toll plaza equipment, including cameras and FASTag sensors, was vandalised. The suspension of toll collection comes ahead of high court's scheduled hearing on Feb 11 on a petition filed by Janakeeya Samara Samithi challenging the toll plaza.