Lok Sabha Question No. 1889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Safety Measure and Toll Collection on NHs
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri K C Venugopal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1889 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2025

## SAFETY MEASURE AND TOLL COLLECTION ON NHS

1889. Shri K C Venugopal:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  precautions  and  safety  measures  taken  by  the  Government/ National Highways Authority of India ahead of the monsoon season in view of the ongoing National Highway(NH) constructions;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  of  forceful  collection  of tolls,  particularly  at  Paliyekkara  and  Aroor  toll  plazas  in  Kerala, despite  the  ongoing  constructions,  crawling  traffic  and  deficiency  in services across the NHs in Kerala;
- (c)  if  so,  the  steps  being  taken to mitigate the issues and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  temporarily  suspend  the collection  of  tolls  until  the  completion  of  ongoing  works,  if  so,  the details thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) Before onset of monsoon, a traffic management plan for each work zone is ensured and signages/ delineators (cones/ drums), barricades, etc.  are  being  provided.  The  drainage  of  construction  zone  is  given special attention. Diversion Road/ existing road is being maintained in traffic worthy condition. Dewatering of stagnant water in the construction  zone  is  being  pumped  out  to  nearest  outfall.  Help  of District  Administration  is  being  sought  for  outfalls.  Traffic  Marshals are being deployed to guide the traffic. (b) There is no forceful collection of User Fee (Toll) on any toll plaza, including Paliyekkara and Aroor toll plazas in Kerala. Collection of toll is in accordance with user fee notification. User Fee (Toll)  is  collected  at  Paliyekkara  Toll  Plaza,  in  accordance with  user  fee  notification  published  in  Gazette  No.S.O.1424(E)  dated 20.06.2011 for the project of 4-laning of Thrissur - Angamali - Edapally. As per fee rules, the rate of fee for a section of a four-lane highway shall  on  and  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  relating  to upgradation  to six laning, be seventy-five per cent, of the fee applicable  on  the  date  of  commencement  of  the  National  Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2013, till the completion of the project without any annual revision. However, in case of NH-544, no augmentation has been taken up except for work of rectification of Blackspots. In respect of User Fee (Toll) collection at Kumbalam Toll Plaza (near Aroor) for Edappally to Aroor section, User Fee (toll) is being charged only for the completed stretch from Edappally to Aroor. (c) The Government ensures regular vigil on potholes and other issues with  the  National  Highways  and  the  same  are  rectified/  resolved promptly, including dewatering of stagnant water along the diversions to ensure safe and seamless travel for the road users. (d)  No  Sir.  User  fee  is  being  collected  as  per  National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

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