Nattika toll collection resumed on Monday on the Kapirikkad–Kodungallur stretch of NH 66 in Thrissur district, despite the failure of an all-party meeting to resolve objections over the road project and the absence of any official communication from the state government or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The collection began again at Nattika after a meeting convened by the district collector on the directive of the Public Works Department minister failed to reach a consensus. UDF and LDF functionaries boycotted the meeting, alleging that toll collection had restarted while discussions were still under way at the collectorate.
Motorists were reportedly caught off guard by Monday’s resumption because no prior notice was issued. The repeated starts and stoppages have created uncertainty for people using the NH 66 stretch, with the tolling status changing several times since its launch last week.
Toll collection at Nattika was first suspended within hours of starting on Thursday following protests by various sections. Protesters alleged that construction work on the road remained incomplete. The collection resumed on Saturday, but was suspended again a day later after fresh protests.
The latest resumption follows the breakdown of efforts to establish a common position at the all-party meeting. The participation of political representatives was also affected by the allegation that tolling had restarted during the meeting, adding to the dispute over how the decision was being implemented.
The Kapirikkad–Kodungallur section forms part of NH 66, a major highway corridor through Kerala. Toll collection on such corridors is linked to the use and financing of national highway infrastructure, while the immediate experience for road users depends on whether the carriageway is operational, the tolling arrangements are clearly communicated and the responsible agencies provide timely public information.
In the Nattika case, the central dispute remains tied to the reported condition of the road works. Protesters have questioned the collection of tolls while alleging that construction is incomplete. The report does not specify which components of the project remain unfinished or whether any formal assessment has been issued by the agencies responsible for the highway.
The absence of an official explanation has also left unclear who authorised Monday’s restart, why collection was resumed despite the failed meeting and whether the tolling arrangement will continue without interruption. Neither the state government nor NHAI had issued an official communication explaining the repeated commencement and suspension of collection, according to the report.
The district administration’s meeting was intended to address the issue after the protests and the earlier reversals. With no consensus reached, the tolling dispute remains unresolved while motorists continue to use the stretch. Any further change in collection is expected to depend on communication from the state government, NHAI or the district administration.
