Palakkad: Toll rates at Panniyankara on the National Highway have been increased, with the new rates coming into effect from Wednesday.
The hike ranges from 2.7% to 4.3%. The monthly pass for non-commercial vehicles within a 20-kilometre radius has also been raised from Rs 350 to Rs 360.
While vehicles belonging to residents within a 7.5-kilometre radius of Panniyankara are still eligible for free travel, new restrictions have been imposed. The contract company has temporarily suspended the issuance of free passes to new applicants. For vehicles that currently hold free passes, renewals will now be issued only every three months, and no renewal will be granted if the eligibility date has lapsed.
The denial of free passes has sparked protests among locals. In response, the Panthalampadam Joint Action Committee has lodged a complaint with the Member of Parliament, the District Collector, and the National Highways Authority.
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The Panniyankara Toll Plaza on National Highway 544 (NH 544) in Palakkad has been at the centre of significant public and legal disputes since it became operational on 9 March 2022. The controversies primarily stem from local protests over toll exemptions, road quality concerns, and recurring traffic congestion.
1. Origins and Key Controversies
Operational Launch (2022): Managed by Thrissur Expressway Limited, the plaza began collecting tolls before several essential works such as service roads, drainage systems, and foot overbridges were fully completed.
Local Toll Exemptions: A major point of contention has been the radius for toll-free travel for residents. Initially, the toll company allowed a 5 km exemption, but persistent protests from six neighbouring panchayats led to a negotiated 10 km exemption for local non-commercial vehicles in 2025.
Road Quality Protests: In August 2025, motorist Shento V. Anto staged a 9.5-hour protest, refusing to pay the toll to highlight the "broken and congested" state of the highway despite high fees.
2. Legal Interventions
The Kerala High Court has frequently intervened in the operation of the toll plaza due to the poor maintenance of the NH 544 corridor.
Toll Suspensions: The court has previously suspended toll collection at the nearby Paliyekkara plaza following severe traffic jams exceeding 12 hours and the collapse of service roads.
Public Trust Concerns: The court noted that charging tolls for inadequately maintained roads breaches the "public trust" between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and citizens.
3. Current Status (April 2026)
Toll Hikes: New rates came into effect on 1 April 2026, with increases ranging from 2.7% to 4.3%.
Single Trip Fees: Cars and jeeps now pay ₹85, up from ₹80.
Local Monthly Pass: The fee for residents within a 20 km radius has risen from ₹350 to ₹360.
Despite these adjustments, tensions persist, particularly over restrictions on free passes for new applicants and limited renewals for current pass holders.