Paliyekkara: Kerala High Court forms panel to monitor traffic on NH 544 after 12-hour jam

The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered the constitution of an Interim Traffic Management Committee to monitor traffic conditions at congested areas of the National Highway (NH) 544 [Shaji J Kodankadath v. Union of India and connected cases]..A Division Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon passed the order after taking note of a recent 12-hour traffic block on the Ernakulam-Thrissur stretch of the highway. The Bench observed that due to its previous order suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza which is on NH 544, more people may choose to use the highway as long as the suspension is in place. In view of this, the Bench suggested that the committee may consider banning heavy vehicles during the day time.The committee is to consist of the District Collector, District Police Superintendent, and the Regional Transport Officer. The committee must take into account inputs from local authorities and leaders including Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs)."The Interim Committee shall devise an interim traffic management plan, taking note of the congestion experienced by commuters in the area. The Interim Committee shall explore whether the plying of lorries should be restricted during peak times, and also whether heavy vehicles should be diverted or not. We leave the entire aspect of traffic management to be considered by the Interim Committee. The Interim Committee shall meet forthwith to take immediate steps," the Court's order stated. .Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had dismissed the National Highway Authority of India's (NHAI’s) challenge to the Bench's earlier order suspending toll collection for four weeks at the Paliyekkara toll plaza citing poor road conditions and traffic bottlenecks on the highway. In a strongly worded order, the Supreme Court had refused to set aside the directions of the High Court and asked it to monitor the situation. .Can't force citizens to pay toll in addition to vehicle tax for pothole-ridden roads: Supreme Court.The High Court today extended the interim order suspending toll collection to September 9 when the matter will be considered next..[Read Order]