Increased Travel Costs Expected as 11 Toll Booths to Operate on NH 66 Due to Flyover Implications

While the recently upgraded National Highway-66 aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the state, the implementation of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) guidelines is poised to result in higher expenses for commuters in Kerala.

In Kerala, the maintenance of National Highway-66 involves strategic avoidance of densely populated areas, achieved through the use of elevated highways, flyovers, and bypasses. Following NHAI regulations, toll rates for flyovers exceeding 60 meters in length are calculated based on ten times the actual length. For example, the Kazhakoottam flyover measures 2.72 kilometers, but the toll rate computation considers it as 27.2 kilometers. Such rules are applicable to all similar projects.

Constructing highways, flyovers, and bypasses incurs greater expenses compared to ground-level road construction. Notably, a recent decision led to the inclusion of the elevated highway in Kazhakkoottam under the jurisdiction of the Thiruvallam Toll Booth. Consequently, the toll charges here have substantially increased. The revised fares now stand at Rs 150 for a one-way car journey and Rs 225 for a round trip.

Furthermore, an upcoming flyover in the Inchakkal area, falling within the purview of the Inchakkal toll booth, is anticipated to raise toll rates along that stretch upon its completion. As the count of flyovers rises, toll rates are also expected to escalate accordingly.

In accordance with regulatory guidelines, toll booths are permitted to be established within every 60-kilometer stretch. As a result, plans are in place to install a total of 11 toll booths along NH-66.