World · India Bureau
NH 66 toll charges to surge sharply once all plazas operational
Motorists traversing Kerala's National Highway 66 face significantly higher toll expenses as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) prepares to operationalize additional toll collection points. One-way journey costs from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram could escalate to approximately ₹3,000 once all plazas become fully functional.
LSN India ·
The anticipated increase in toll charges on NH 66 is set to substantially elevate travel costs for commercial and private vehicle operators along Kerala's primary north-south corridor. According to NHAI sources, the progressive implementation of multiple toll plazas between the northern district of Kasaragod and the state capital Thiruvananthapuram will result in cumulative charges reaching around ₹3,000 per one-way journey.
The highway, which serves as a critical artery for interstate commerce and tourism, currently operates with a limited number of functional toll collection points. The expansion of toll infrastructure reflects NHAI's phased approach to revenue generation and road maintenance funding along the busy corridor.
The projected toll structure represents a substantial expense for regular commuters and logistics operators who depend on NH 66 for commercial transportation. Small and medium-sized transport businesses have historically expressed concerns about escalating operational costs linked to toll increases on major national highways.
The NHAI has not announced a specific timeline for the complete operationalization of all planned toll plazas. Stakeholders, including transport associations and business groups, are expected to engage with authorities regarding the implementation roadmap and any potential relief measures for regular users or commercial operators.