Protest Blocks NH-66 In Kasaragod Over Toll Collection

Kasaragod: Traffic was disrupted on NH-66 at Arikady on Monday after residents staged a blockade against the start of toll collection at the newly set-up plaza. Vehicles were stopped for several hours, leading to long queues on both sides of the highway as a large crowd gathered at the site.

The protest was organised by an action committee soon after toll collection began at 8 am. The committee said it would oppose the toll collection, arguing that the toll plaza violates guidelines of the National Highways Authority of India, which stipulate a minimum distance of 60 kilometres between toll gates. The distance between the Thalapady toll plaza and Arikady is only 22 kilometres, they said.

Heavy police deployment was made to prevent the situation from escalating. More than 400 personnel were stationed at the spot, including four Deputy Superintendents of Police. Tension rose when protesters attempted to block the road completely, leading to clashes. Police removed and detained several protesters, including Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf.

Officials said the toll plaza was originally planned at Chalingal. However, as work on the second reach of the highway has not been completed, a temporary toll booth was set up at Arikady, where the first reach is ready. The protest was directed against this interim arrangement.

Police said the action committee had been formed last year to oppose the Arikady toll plaza. Legal challenges against the temporary toll gate were dismissed earlier by the Kerala High Court, though an appeal is now pending. The district administration is expected to hold discussions with the protesters to ease tensions and restore normal traffic.