Protests Turn Violent Over Highway Toll Collection in Thrissur

Protests and Police Action

Tension flared at the Nattika toll plaza on National Highway 66 in Thrissur on Tuesday as LDF and UDF workers took out separate marches against toll collection. The police used a lathicharge and water cannons to disperse the protesters after they tried to push through barricades and storm the plaza. Several protesters, including CPI(M) district secretary K.V. Abdul Khader, were hurt by the water cannons. Police detained several people and arrested others as the agitation grew.

Traffic and Background

Traffic on the highway was blocked for hours, leaving vehicles stranded before authorities diverted them to other routes. Toll collection started on October 8 and was stopped twice due to strong opposition. It resumed on Monday afternoon after an all-party meeting called by the District Collector failed to reach an agreement. This restart happened while another meeting about the toll was still going on at the Collectorate. The National Highways Authority had earlier said tolling would stay suspended until an expert committee submitted its inspection report, leading protesters to claim collection restarted before talks finished.

Demands

Political and social groups oppose the toll because key construction work on National Highway 66, such as bridges and approach roads, remains unfinished. Protesters said collecting money without proper infrastructure is unfair to the public. They want pending bridges and approach roads finished right away, along with proper warning and directional signboards to keep motorists safe amid ongoing accidents.

Context

National highway toll disputes often flare up when user fees begin before all construction work and safety features are fully ready. Local commuters and political groups frequently push back against payments until infrastructure projects meet their complete targets. Authorities generally try to balance project funding needs with public grievances through committee reviews and stakeholder talks.