Kochi Leader Appeals to Nitin Gadkari for Toll Concessions on NH 66
In a significant move aimed at alleviating financial strain on local commuters, former Maradu municipal chairperson Antony Ashanparambil has formally written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The letter seeks urgent toll concessions for residents living in proximity to the Kumbalam toll plaza on National Highway 66.
Invoking New National Toll Rules for Relief
Ashanparambil's appeal references the recent amendments to the national toll rules introduced in 2025, alongside provisions under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules. These regulations explicitly permit toll concessions for individuals residing within a 15 to 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza. The proposed mechanism involves the issuance of resident passes and the implementation of FASTag-based monthly or annual subscription schemes, designed to offer substantial discounts on toll fees.
Daily Commute and Financial Burden on Local Residents
The letter underscores the heavy reliance of residents from Maradu and Tripunithura municipalities, as well as areas under the Kochi corporation, on National Highway 66 for their daily travel needs. This includes essential journeys for work, education, healthcare services, and business activities. A critical point raised is the absence of viable alternative road networks, forcing these commuters to incur toll charges even for short-distance travel. This situation has resulted in a considerable and recurring financial burden for local families and individuals.
Proposed Reduction in Toll Fees
Currently, vehicles passing through the Kumbalam toll plaza are charged Rs 45 for a single trip. Ashanparambil argues that if the central government implements the resident concession schemes as per the new rules, the toll fee for eligible locals could be dramatically reduced to approximately Rs 15 per trip. This would effectively slash the cost to one-third of the existing rate, providing significant economic relief to the community.
Precedent and Feasibility of the Proposal
To bolster his case, the former chairperson cited previous instances where temporary toll exemptions were granted to nearby residents during periods of bridge repair and maintenance work. He emphasized that such a system for permanent or long-term concessions is not only feasible but also has a clear precedent within the existing framework of highway management. This historical context strengthens the argument for adopting a structured, locality-based toll relief program.
Formal Recognition and FASTag Implementation Urged
The communication to Minister Gadkari concludes with a specific request for the Centre to officially recognize residents of Maradu, Tripunithura, and Kochi corporation areas adjacent to the Kumbalam toll plaza as 'locals' under the purview of the new rules. Furthermore, it urges the expedited rollout of a dedicated FASTag-based toll concession system. This digital approach would streamline the process, ensuring that eligible commuters can benefit from reduced rates efficiently and transparently, thereby addressing a longstanding grievance of the highway-dependent population in the region.
