In a caustic reproach of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Supreme Court on Monday questioned the fairness of toll collection on highways persecuted by chronic traffic snarls and poor road conditions. Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, sharply asked: “Why should one pay to spend 12 hours in traffic jams?”
The case centers on the Edappally–Mannuthy stretch of National Highway 544 in Kerala, a mere 65‑kilometer corridor that reportedly reduces commuters to crawling pace, especially during busy weekends. The Kerala High Court had already suspended toll collections at the Paliyekkara toll plaza, citing ongoing construction and lack of smooth travel. NHAI challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, which is now questioning the matter.
During the hearing, Justice Gavai drew a striking resemblance to Delhi’s notorious monsoon traffic, noting that mere two hours of rain can ruin the city, raising the question whether commuters should be penalized for infrastructural failure.
The public outcry against toll collection under such conditions has been longstanding. Notably, Minister Nitin Gadkari has previously opined that tolls should not be levied on poorly maintained roads. Meanwhile, a parliamentary panel recently lambasted the practice of “perpetual tolling” charging users indefinitely despite project costs being recovered further spotlighting the issue of fairness in toll policies.
The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on NHAI’s plea, putting the future of toll operations on this troubled stretch in limbo.
What’s next?
- Will the Court uphold toll suspension until road quality and fluidity of movement are restored?
- Could this ruling trigger broader reform, potentially curbing perpetual tolling and demanding accountability from road authorities nationwide?
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