The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has upgraded the Talapady-Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 into a modern six-lane corridor with service roads. However, this development has come with a contentious proposal that is causing significant distress to daily commuters and transport operators. The NHAI's plan to introduce an additional toll collection point at Arikkady in Kerala's Kasaragod district means that vehicles traveling between Mangaluru and Kasaragod may soon be forced to pay toll at two separate locations within a mere 22-kilometer stretch.
Current Toll Structure and the Proposed Double Burden
Presently, commuters on this vital coastal route pay toll only once at the Talapady plaza. The toll rates, revised in June 2024, stand at Rs 55 for a one-way trip and Rs 80 for a same-day return for light motor vehicles like cars and vans. For larger vehicles like buses and trucks, the charges are significantly higher at Rs 165 (one-way) and Rs 250 (return). The introduction of a second gate at Arikkady would effectively double these expenses for anyone traveling the full route, a prospect that has ignited public anger and organized resistance.
Legal and Public Resistance Mounts
A strong action committee, comprising political activists and local leaders, has been formed to fight the NHAI's decision. The committee, led by chairman Ashraf Karla and convener AKM Ashraf, the MLA of Manjeshwar, has taken the legal route by filing a petition in the Kerala High Court challenging the proposed Arikkady tollgate.
Advocate Sajal Ibrahim, representing the committee, clarified the current legal status. "The court is yet to complete the hearing process to clear some more doubts. Currently, the NHAI cannot commence toll collection at Arikkady, as they have no permission to do so," he stated. He added that with the court on vacation, a decision is expected only after January 5.
MLA Ashraf emphasized the highway's critical role, especially for patients seeking medical care in Mangaluru. He vowed to continue the fight through public protests and legal avenues. "It is a major national highway stretch... Hence, we have decided to continue the fight strongly against the move of opening a second tollgate within 22 km," he asserted.
Ripple Effects on Public Transport and Fares
The uncertainty has also put state road transport corporations in a bind. Both the Karnataka and Kerala transport authorities are awaiting an official circular from the NHAI to determine if bus fares on the inter-state route need an upward revision.
Rajesh Shetty, Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC's Mangaluru division, highlighted the scale of operations, noting that his division operates 26 buses providing over 120 trips daily on the Mangaluru-Kasaragod route. "We will have to wait and see how they are fixing the toll fare," he said, indicating that any new toll would directly impact operational costs and potentially passenger fares.
The situation remains at a stalemate. While the NHAI has developed the infrastructure, its plan for enhanced toll collection is now caught between public utility, legal scrutiny, and the financial burden on thousands of daily commuters. The outcome of the court proceedings in the new year will be crucial in deciding whether one of the region's busiest highways gets one toll gate or two.
