Even as the construction of National Highway (NH) 66 in Keralam, which is being widened to six lanes under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), enters its final phase, motorists eagerly awaiting the opening of the highway will have to pay a heavy price in toll. A rough estimate suggests that the toll could be around ₹3,000 for a one-way journey from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram.
Five toll plazas are currently operating on NH 66. Currently, a car has to pay a total of ₹585 in one direction. The current rates are: Kolassery (Kannur) – ₹80, Kumbalam (Ernakulam) – ₹50, Thiruvallam (Thiruvananthapuram) – ₹160, Vettichira (Malappuram) – ₹160, and Olavanna (Kozhikode) – ₹135.
Once the remaining six toll plazas are operational, the total projected cost of passing through all of them on the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram route in one direction will be ₹1,650, according to the 2024 toll rates. Further, annual toll revisions on newer projects are expected to rise to 6.2%–6.4% from the current 3.4%–4% by the next fiscal year, while tolls on older highways could increase by 4.5%–5.5%. The annual revisions will be based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), although the benchmark differs depending on when the projects were awarded.
With the expected addition of two more toll plazas (bringing the total to 13) along NH 66, the total toll is estimated to reach around ₹3,000 for a light motor vehicle, given the projected increase in toll rates for the next fiscal year, according to sources in the NHAI. Interestingly, when fuel and other expenses are taken into account, the cost of road travel could compete with airfares and premium train fares in Keralam.
Various factors
The toll rate will vary for each reach, depending on the construction method and the cost incurred. However, the relatively long construction period of the highway in Keralam, along with frequent changes in design and construction methods at several locations that increased the cost of construction, is expected to be reflected in the toll rates.
Toll plazas are normally set up at intervals of around 60 km. However, this distance may vary depending on the nature and construction method of each reach awarded to different companies. Toll rates will also be higher in areas featuring special structures such as elevated corridors, viaducts and tunnels. In such areas, up to 10 times the normal rate will be charged. The highest toll is likely to be at the Eramallur Plaza on the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated road.
The toll network will be completed with the addition of toll plazas at ongoing reaches such as Chalingal in Kasaragod, Kalliassery in Kannur, Azhiyur in Kozhikode, Nattika in Thrissur, Eramalloor and Kripasanam Junction in Alappuzha, and Oachira and Kalluvathukkal in Kollam.