MoRTH Directs Immediate Suspension of Toll Operations at Arikkady Plaza in Kasaragod
In a significant development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a formal order mandating the immediate cessation of toll collection activities at the Arikkady toll plaza located on National Highway 66. This crucial infrastructure point is situated within the Thalappadi-Chengala-Neeleswaram stretch in Kumbala, Kasaragod district.
Official Directive and Compliance Mandate
The authoritative order, officially released on Wednesday, was signed by MoRTH Undersecretary Shantany Bhattacharjee. It explicitly states, "The competent authority decided to immediately stop the operation and fee collection at the toll plaza near Kumbala, Kasaragod. NHAI is directed to ensure prompt compliance of the directions of the competent authority." This directive places the onus on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to execute the suspension without delay.
Background of Protests and Norms Violation Allegations
The decision follows intense and widespread public agitation that erupted shortly after NHAI commenced toll collection at this plaza on January 12. Protesters, cutting across political affiliations, raised a critical objection: the alleged violation of established norms regarding the minimum permissible distance between consecutive toll gates. They highlighted that the Kumbala toll plaza is positioned a mere 20 kilometers from the existing Thalappady toll plaza, a proximity they argue contravenes regulatory standards.
Political Reactions and Credit Claims
In the wake of the Central Government's intervention, rival political entities swiftly moved to associate themselves with the outcome. BJP leaders, notably including state president Rajeev Chandrasekar and former state president K Surendran, were among the first to publicly announce the decision on Tuesday. Conversely, Manjeshwaram MLA A K M Ashraf, who was at the forefront of the protests, attributed the Centre's move directly to the "sustained public agitation" led by the community.
Legal and Law Enforcement Dimensions
Simultaneously, the Kasaragod police have taken legal action by registering cases against approximately 500 identifiable individuals in connection with violent demonstrations that occurred at Kumbala on January 14. During these protests, toll plaza infrastructure, including surveillance cameras and FASTag sensors, was reportedly vandalized. This suspension of toll collection precedes a scheduled hearing at the high court on February 11, where a petition filed by the Janakeeya Samara Samithi challenging the very establishment of the toll plaza is set to be reviewed.
The MoRTH order marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing issue, addressing public grievances while intertwining with political narratives and legal proceedings. The situation underscores the complex interplay between infrastructure development, regulatory adherence, and civic response in the region.
