Toll hike expected to push motorists on NH 66

Even as the construction of the National Highway (NH) 66 in Kerala, which is being widened to six lanes under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), enters its final phase, motorists eagerly awaiting the opening of the highway will have to pay a heavy price in tolls. A rough estimate suggests that the toll could be around ₹ 3,000 for a one-way journey from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram.

There are currently five toll plazas operating on NH 66. Currently, a car has to pay a total of ₹585 one way. Current rates are: Kolassery (Kannur) – ₹80, Kumbalam (Ernakulam) – ₹50, Thiruvallam (Thiruvananthapuram) – ₹160, Vettichira (Malappuram) – ₹160 and Olavanna (Kozhikode) – ₹1.35

Once the remaining six toll plazas are operational, the total projected cost of passing through all of them on the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram route in one direction will be ₹ 1,650, as per 2024 toll rates. Further, annual toll revisions for newer projects are expected to increase to 6.2-6.4% by the next fiscal from the current 3.4-4%, while tolls on of older highways could increase by 4.5-5.5%. The annual revisions will be based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), although the benchmark varies depending on when the projects were awarded.

With the expected addition of two more toll plazas (taking the total to 13) along NH 66, the total toll is estimated to reach around ₹ 3,000 per light motor vehicle, taking into account the expected increase in toll rates for the next fiscal year, according to sources in the NHAI. Interestingly, when fuel and other expenses are factored in, the cost of road travel could rival airfares and premium train fares in Kerala.

Various factors

The toll rate will vary for each reach depending on the method of construction and the cost incurred. However, the relatively long construction time of the highway in Kerala, along with frequent changes in design and construction methods at several locations, which have increased construction costs, are expected to be reflected in the toll rates.

Toll booths are normally set up at intervals of approximately 60 km. However, this distance may vary depending on the nature and construction method of each reach granted to different companies. Toll rates will also be higher in areas with special constructions such as elevated corridors, viaducts and tunnels. In such areas, up to 10 times the normal rate will be charged. The highest toll is likely to be at Eramallur Plaza on the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated road.

The toll network will be completed with the addition of toll plazas on run-throughs such as Chalingal in Kasaragod, Kalliassery in Kannur, Azhiyur in Kozhikode, Nattika in Thrissur, Eramalloor and Kripasanam Junction in Alappuzha and Oachira and Kalluvathukkal in Kollam.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 21:20 IST