Collection of reduced tollto continue at Kappalur

The Kapplaur toll plaza near Tirumangalam where collecting toll has become a contentious issue ever since its inception.

The Kapplaur toll plaza near Tirumangalam where collecting toll has become a contentious issue ever since its inception.   | Photo Credit: s_krishnamoorthy

High Court asks NHAI to submit another report by next week

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday called for a further status report from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its Project Director overseeing the repair works on Madurai-Virudhunagar stretch.

A division bench of Justices C. T. Selvam and A. M. Basheer Ahamed said the report should be submitted by next week. The court said that its earlier order directing the NHAI and the concessionaire to collect half the fee at the Kappalur toll plaza be continued till further orders. It also took cognisance of the fact that repair works on the stretch were fast progressing. It had earlier observed that the roads should be maintained in accordance with standards stipulated by the Indian Road Congress.

The HC, hearing a public interest litigation petition filed for repair of the Madurai-Virudhunagar stretch of the National Highway, took notice of the poor condition of the road. The petitioner, Manimaran, said that the road was riddled with potholes, making it accident-prone. He also brought to the court’s notice that the stretch lacked proper signals and indicators making it difficult for road users.