Motorists on the newly widened NH 66 in Kerala face a potential toll bill of ₹3,000 for a one-way trip from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram as more plazas go operational.

  • One-way toll from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram could soar to approximately ₹3,000.
  • Total number of toll plazas on the route is expected to reach 13.
  • Special structures like elevated corridors may attract tolls up to 10 times the normal rate.

As the widening of National Highway (NH) 66 in Kerala to six lanes enters its final phase under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the promised efficiency of the road comes with a steep financial price. Preliminary estimates suggest that a one-way journey from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram could cost motorists nearly ₹3,000 in toll fees alone.

Currently, only five toll plazas are operational—Kolassery, Kumbalam, Thiruvallam, Vettichira, and Olavanna—with a combined cost of ₹585 for a light motor vehicle (LMV). However, the landscape is set to change drastically as the remaining plazas are commissioned.

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The Mechanics of the Price Hike

According to 2024 rates, the addition of six more plazas would bring the total to ₹1,650. However, NHAI sources indicate that annual revisions based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) will push this figure higher. For newer projects, the annual increase is expected to jump from the current 3.4%–4% to between 6.2% and 6.4% by the next fiscal year.

The prolonged construction timeline and frequent design modifications have inflated project costs, which are now being passed on to the end-user via higher tolls.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that when combined with fuel costs and vehicle maintenance, road travel on NH 66 may soon compete with airfares and premium train tickets within Kerala. This shift could potentially discourage long-distance road travel, impacting the logistics sector and personal mobility patterns across the state.

Toll variations are driven by construction complexity. Areas featuring elevated corridors, viaducts, and tunnels are significantly more expensive. The Eramallur Plaza on the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated road is expected to be the most expensive point on the entire stretch.

Feature Current Status Projected Status
Number of Toll Plazas 5 13
Total One-Way Toll (LMV) ₹585 ~₹3,000
Annual Revision Rate 3.4% - 4% 6.2% - 6.4%
Did You Know?: While toll plazas are generally spaced 60 km apart, this distance varies based on the specific construction contract and the nature of the terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which toll plaza is expected to be the most expensive?
The Eramallur Plaza on the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated road is projected to have the highest rates.

2. How are the annual toll increases calculated?
Revisions are primarily linked to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), though benchmarks vary based on the project award date.