KOCHI: The first day of the new financial year brought a shock to motorists in Kochi, with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) hiking toll at Kumbalam plaza on Saturday.
Surprisingly, the hike comes after the LDF Government openly declared its stance against toll collection.
Toll fees for all categories of vehicles were increased, except two-wheelers. The single-entry toll for cars, passenger vans and SUVs has been raised from Rs 20 to Rs 25 (multiple-entry from Rs 30 to Rs 40). There are proportionate hikes in all the other categories.
In April 2016 also the NHAI had increased toll at Kumbalam. However, the agency is yet to install streetlights on the Kumbalam bridge, where accidents occur frequently.
“We have increased the number of lanes and introduced electronic toll collection and smart cards. Also, potholes on the stretch have been filled,” said an NHAI officer.
National Highway Samara Samithi head Hashim Chenampilly alleged toll collection had been putting a huge burden on motorists in the State.
"Every year, the toll rates are hiked. The LDF Government had openly declared it was against toll. No proper account is maintained for the toll collected by various agencies. A part of the amount goes into the pockets of corrupt officers,” he said.