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

The agitation against toll collection at the Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza, allegedly in violation of national highway norms, has intensified, with Manjeswaram MLA K.M Ashraf announcing an indefinite strike from Tuesday (January 13, 2025) demanding an immediate halt to toll collection.

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

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

Mr. Ashraf pointed out that the matter was pending before the Kerala High Court, and that despite appeals to suspend toll collection until the court delivered its verdict, the authorities had gone ahead with toll collection. He warned that contempt of court proceedings would be initiated against officials for continuing toll collection when the case is sub judice.

The MLA said the protest would continue until the “unjust and illegal” toll collection was completely withdrawn.