NH 66 toll from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram may rise to ₹3,000

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is nearing completion of the six-lane widening of National Highway 66 in Kerala. Once the entire stretch is opened to traffic, motorists may have to pay substantially higher toll charges. According to NHAI sources, a one-way journey from Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south could cost around ₹3,000 in tolls.

At present, five toll plazas are functioning on NH 66 within Kerala. A car travelling the full route pays ₹585 in one direction. The existing charges are: Kolassery (Kannur) ₹80, Kumbalam (Ernakulam) ₹50, Thiruvallam (Thiruvananthapuram) ₹160, Vettichira (Malappuram) ₹160, and Olavanna (Kozhikode) ₹135.

Motorists have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the widened highway, which is expected to improve connectivity and ease travel between major towns. However, the projected toll burden has raised concerns among daily commuters and the transport industry.

The total toll at current (2024) rates is estimated to rise to ₹1,650 once six more toll plazas become operational. Additional plazas planned along the corridor will take the total number of toll points to 13. Considering annual revisions in user fees, the toll on the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram route may reach approximately ₹3,000 for a light motor vehicle, sources said.

Toll rates on national highways are revised every year based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). For newer projects, the annual hike is currently between 3.4 and 4 per cent. By the next fiscal year, this is expected to go up to 6.2–6.4 per cent. For older highways, the revision is likely to be in the range of 4.5–5.5 per cent. The benchmark differs depending on when the projects were awarded.

The actual toll on each stretch of NH 66 will vary according to the construction method and cost. The relatively long time taken to build the highway in Kerala, along with frequent design changes at several locations, has escalated project expenditures. These costs are likely to be reflected in the toll rates.

Toll plazas are usually placed at intervals of about 60 km, though the distance may differ based on the design and nature of each project reach. On stretches that include elevated corridors, viaducts or tunnels, toll rates can go up to ten times the normal charge. The highest toll on NH 66 is expected at the Eramallur plaza on the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated road.

New toll plazas are planned at Chalingal in Kasaragod, Kalliassery in Kannur, Azhiyur in Kozhikode, Nattika in Thrissur, Eramalloor and Kripasanam Junction in Alappuzha, and Oachira and Kalluvathukkal in Kollam. Once these become operational, overall travel costs on the highway will increase sharply.

With the projected tolls, the combined expense of driving — including fuel and other incidental costs — could rival the fares of airlines and premium trains for the same journey. This may affect the travel choices of passengers and add to operational costs for businesses dependent on road transport.

The NHAI has not yet formally announced the commissioning schedule for the new plazas or the revised toll structure. Road users are advised to rely on official information from the authority for updates.