With complaints pouring in about the ‘slow’ pace of the ongoing redevelopment works on the 65-km-long Edapally-Mannuthy stretch on NH 544, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday (December 2, 2025) directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a report on the deadline specified in its agreement with the contracting firm to complete the works.
The Thrissur District Collector submitted that the ongoing works on the congested NH corridor, which began in September 2024, was not progressing as expected. The Collector, appearing online, further submitted that safety issues prevailed in the form of insufficient street lighting and inadequate hazard sign boards.
On its part, the Interim Traffic Management Committee pointed out inadequate traffic wardens in locations such as at Koratty junction.
The Additional Solicitor General submitted that it has requested the government for 50 more traffic wardens to man congestion-prone areas on the corridor. Following this, the court directed the NHAI to adhere to the recommendations of the traffic management committee and take steps to speed up pending works.
The matter has been posted for hearing next Tuesday.
The court was hearing petitions by Congress leader Shaji Kodankandath and others seeking steps to speed up the construction works and ensure safe and fast commuting on the corridor, where underpasses and flyovers are being built. They complained that the NHAI was collecting hefty toll at the Paliyekkara toll plaza despite acute traffic hold-ups and safety concerns on the NH corridor.
Published – December 02, 2025 01:54 pm IST
