Toll at Nattika before completion of NH 66 work sparks protests
CPI, CPI(M), Congress and local groups march to toll plaza, demand that collection be deferred until pending works are completed
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun collecting tolls at the Nattika plaza on NH 66, despite the highway and its associated infrastructure remaining incomplete. This decision has sparked strong protests from the CPI, CPI(M), Congress, and various local organizations. They argue that the NHAI is rushing to impose the toll even though the project, originally scheduled for completion in 36 months, will likely take an additional 10 months to finish.
Protests took place on Wednesday, with protesters alleging that the NHAI is collecting tolls for a highway that is still under construction. Major works, such as the Vadannappally flyover, Chetuva bridge, and Edamuttam underpass, are yet to be completed, along with pedestrian overbridges at Nattika, Valappad High School, Engandiyur, and Pokkulangara.
Additionally, drainage systems, safety measures, and street lighting are incomplete at several locations. Protests demanded that the construction be completed before toll collection begins, and warned of intensified protests if the current policy is not changed.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
