Alleged rule violation at Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza: MLA to launch indefinite strike

The agitation against toll collection at Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza, allegedly violating national highway norms, intensified with Manjeswaram MLA KM Ashraf declaring an indefinite strike from Tuesday, January 13, 2025, demanding immediate halt to toll collection.

On Monday, police arrested Mr Ashraf and several others after blocking the national highway at the Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza. Toll transactions resumed after the protesters were removed by the police.

Speaking to the media later, the MLA alleged that the toll operations at Kumbala-Arikkady were in clear violation of national toll rules. He said the distance between the existing Talapady toll plaza and the newly opened Arikkady toll plaza is just 22 km, which is against the mandatory minimum distance of 60 km between two toll plazas on the same highway.

Mr. Ashraf stated that the matter was pending before the Kerala High Court and the authorities were continuing to collect the toll despite objections to suspend the toll collection till the court gives its order. He warned that once the case is decided, a contempt of court case will be filed against officials who continue to collect fees.

The MLA said the protest will continue until the “unfair and illegal” fee collection is completely withdrawn.