Mangaluru: Commuters travelling on the busy Mangaluru–Kasaragod stretch of National Highway-66 may soon be required to pay toll at two locations within a short distance of just 22 km, following a proposal by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to establish an additional tollgate at Arikkady in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. The move has triggered strong opposition from commuters, activists, and political leaders, who argue that the decision will place an unfair financial burden on regular road users.
The Talapady–Chengala stretch of NH-66 has recently been upgraded into a six-lane highway with service roads as part of a major infrastructure development project undertaken by the NHAI. At present, vehicles travelling between Mangaluru and Kasaragod pay toll only at the Talapady tollgate. However, the proposed Arikkady tollgate would require motorists to pay toll twice within a short distance, leading to widespread concern.
Existing toll rates and commuter burden
Since June 2024, toll charges at the Talapady tollgate have been revised. Cars, jeeps, vans, and other light motor vehicles (LMVs) are currently charged Rs 55 for a one-way journey and Rs 80 for a same-day return. For buses and trucks, the toll fee stands at Rs 165 for one-way travel and Rs 250 for a same-day return.
Commuters argue that the addition of another tollgate at Arikkady would significantly increase travel costs, particularly for daily travellers, commercial operators, and patients who frequently commute to Mangaluru for medical treatment.
Activists point out that NH-66 serves as a critical lifeline for people living along the Karnataka–Kerala border, with thousands depending on the highway for employment, education, healthcare, and trade.
Action committee leads resistance
An action committee comprising activists from various political and social organisations has been spearheading protests against the proposed tollgate. The committee is chaired by Ashraf Karla, with AKM Ashraf, the MLA from Manjeshwar constituency in Kasaragod district, serving as its convener.
The committee has argued that allowing two tollgates within a distance of 22 km violates established norms and defeats the purpose of easing travel through highway expansion. Members have organised public protests and awareness campaigns to highlight the impact of the proposal on ordinary commuters.
Legal battle in Kerala High Court
The action committee has also approached the Kerala High Court challenging the NHAI’s decision to commence toll collection at Arikkady. Advocate Sajal Ibrahim, who filed the petition on behalf of the committee, said that the matter is still under judicial consideration.
“As the court is currently on vacation, any decision is likely to come only after January 5. The court has not yet completed the hearing process and needs to clarify certain aspects,” he said. He further stated that at present, the NHAI does not have permission to begin toll collection at Arikkady.
According to the petitioners, the proposed tollgate would disproportionately affect residents of border areas and undermine public interest.
MLA cites healthcare and public interest
AKM Ashraf said the action committee would continue its fight both legally and through public mobilisation. He emphasised that the Mangaluru–Kasaragod highway is not just a commercial route but a crucial corridor for healthcare access.
“A large number of patients from Kasaragod and nearby areas travel to Mangaluru regularly for treatment. Imposing two tolls within such a short distance is unjust and unacceptable. We will strongly oppose this move,” he said.
The MLA added that the committee’s objective is to ensure that infrastructure development does not come at the cost of public convenience and affordability.
Transport corporations await clarity
Meanwhile, state-run road transport corporations in both Karnataka and Kerala are closely monitoring the situation. Officials said they are awaiting an official circular from the NHAI to determine whether the introduction of an additional tollgate would necessitate a revision in bus fares on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route.
Senior divisional controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the division currently operates 26 buses on the route, providing over 120 trips per day.
“We will have to wait and see how the toll fares are fixed and whether there is any directive from the NHAI regarding fare revision,” he said.
Transport experts warn that any increase in toll charges could lead to higher ticket prices, affecting daily commuters and students who rely on bus services.
Broader concerns over toll policy
The controversy has reignited debate over toll policies on national highways, particularly in densely populated regions. Critics argue that while highway upgrades are welcome, toll placement should be planned carefully to avoid undue hardship to users.
They have urged the NHAI to reconsider the proposal and explore alternative solutions, such as rationalising toll distances or offering exemptions and concessions for frequent travellers.
Conclusion
As the matter awaits judicial scrutiny, uncertainty continues to loom over commuters on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod stretch of NH-66. With protests ongoing and transport authorities awaiting clarity, the final decision on the Arikkady tollgate is expected to have far-reaching implications for cross-border travel between Karnataka and Kerala. Stakeholders hope that a balanced approach will be adopted, ensuring infrastructure development without compromising public interest.