The Keralam government on Thursday ordered the suspension of toll collection on national highway (NH) 66 at Nattika in Thrissur, citing the likelihood of severe traffic congestion as construction work remains incomplete.

The decision followed reports from the District Collector and the police that starting toll collection before the completion of the Kodungallur-Kaprikkad stretch could disrupt traffic and cause considerable inconvenience to commuters. Several works, including the service road on the Kodungallur-Kaprikkad section and the approach roads to bridges, are yet to be completed.

Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer directed the District Collector to convene a meeting with police officials, people’s representatives and officials of the departments concerned to assess the situation and take an appropriate decision. He also instructed the Collector to inspect the site and submit a detailed report.

A decision on commencing toll collection will be taken only after the pending road works are completed and smooth and safe traffic movement is ensured, the Minister assured.

Earlier in the day, United Democratic Front (UDF) activists staged a blockade at the Nattika toll plaza, opposing the proposed commencement of toll collection. A mild scuffle broke out between the police and protesters who blocked the plaza in the morning.

The protesters demanded that toll collection be deferred until the national highway 66 construction is fully completed.

Various political parties, except the BJP, have announced protests against toll collection, with the incomplete road works being the main point of contention. A heavy police contingent was deployed around the toll plaza in anticipation of the protests.