No amenities and road safety - No toll says Kerala High Court

Kerala High Court Demands Urgent Traffic Safety Measures from NHAI Suspension of Toll Collection to Continue Until Compliance with Court-Directed Safety Protocols and Completion of Underpass Works

In a significant directive, the Kerala High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement immediate traffic safety measures and expedite the completion of underpass construction works to address severe traffic congestion and road safety issues. The decision was handed down by a division bench consisting of Justices A. Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V. Menon, during the hearing of WP(C) No. 20253 of 2021(S) filed by Shaji J. Kodankandath against the Union of India and others.

The court's order comes in response to a report submitted by the District Collector of Thrissur, which highlighted ongoing heavy traffic congestion due to inadequate safety measures at construction sites. The Collector's report, dated September 24, 2025, emphasized the necessity for immediate and sustained protective interventions, such as the installation of fall protection systems, proper drainage management, shoring of excavation cuttings, and adequate lighting, to prevent road edge collapses and ensure safe traffic flow.

The court underscored the urgency of completing underpass construction works as a sustainable solution to the prevailing traffic and safety issues. It also noted the NHAI's lack of full compliance with previously issued directions, necessitating continued suspension of toll collection until the authority meets the required safety standards and completes critical construction works.

The bench has adjourned the matter to September 30, 2025, for further review of the progress made by NHAI. The suspension of toll collection, initially ordered on August 6, 2025, will remain in effect until the court's directives are fully implemented.

The case has drawn attention to the critical need for infrastructure safety and efficient traffic management on national highways, highlighting the essential role of judicial oversight in ensuring public safety.

Bottom Line:

Directions issued to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding traffic safety measures and expeditious completion of underpass construction works to ensure safe traffic movement and prevent road edge collapses. Suspension of toll collection to continue until further compliance.

Shaji J. Kodankandath v. Union of India, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2787989