Nattika toll collection resumes amid tight security, protests in Keralam

Youth Congress activists from the Kaipamangalam and Nattika constituency committees on march with a coffin to the newly constructed toll plaza at Nattika on NH 66, protesting against the National Highway authorities and the contractor for putting travellers’ lives at risk. | Photo Credit: K. K. Najeeb Toll collection resumed at the Nattika toll plaza on NH 66 on Saturday amid heavy police security and protests by political and social organisations against the move to collect user fees before completion of the highway works.The collection, which had begun on October 8, was suspended following a strong public agitation over the incomplete works. It resumed on Saturday (October 10, 2026) after the State government gave the go-ahead and assured security for the toll plaza.Activists of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Welfare Party, who reached the toll plaza to prevent the collection, were removed by the police.Protests against the resumption by various political parties and organisations are expected to continue at the toll plaza. The police have strengthened security arrangements in view of the possibility of further demonstrations.The principal objection raised by the protesters is that motorists are being asked to pay for a highway that is still far from complete. Several political parties and local action groups had earlier maintained that toll collection should not begin until the pending works were completed.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), however, maintains that around 90% of the 62-km stretch has been completed.Several major works on the Kaprikkad-Kodungallur stretch are yet to be completed. These include the Chavakkad bypass, Vadannappally flyover, Chettuva bridge, Edamuttam underpass and the Kottamkulam-C.V. Junction bridge.The protesters have also pointed out that work on several newly sanctioned pedestrian overbridges has not even begun. These include facilities at Nattika, Valappad High School, Kaipamangalam-Sree Narayanapuram, Engandiyur, Pokkulangara, Manathala-Edakkazhiyur and Mandalamkunnu.“Collecting toll before completing such a large number of critical works is unacceptable. The public is being asked to pay for a facility that is still under construction,” protesters said.The toll collection contract has reportedly been awarded to Skylark Group, a Haryana-based company.The resumption comes against the backdrop of mounting political opposition in Thrissur, with parties and local organisations demanding that the NHAI defer toll collection until the pending works are completed. They have also raised concerns over the safety and convenience of motorists and local residents while several structures and access-related works remain unfinished.With protests set to continue, the Nattika toll plaza is likely to remain a flashpoint over the implementation of the NH 66 project and the timing of toll collection. Published - October 10, 2026 03:15 pm IST