Toll hiked amid ‘incomplete’ works on Vallarpadam-Kalamassery container terminal stretch

Kochi: The toll rates at Ponnarimangalam toll plaza on Vallarpadam-Kalamassery container terminal stretch have been hiked.The revised tariff, effective from May 22 to March 31, 2027, came at a time when the key infrastructure work, including the installation of streetlights along the route, remains incomplete.While single and return journey rates for cars, jeeps and light motor vehicles (LMVs) stay unchanged at Rs 65 and Rs 95 respectively, an increase of Rs 5 to Rs 10 was implemented across other vehicle categories.However, the most significant modification hits commuters via the 50-journey monthly pass. The monthly rate for cars and jeeps climbed to Rs 2,150 (up from Rs 2,085), while buses and two-axle trucks face a steep jump to Rs 7,275.The discounted monthly pass for residents living within a 20-km radius is maintained at Rs 350.Locals urged the authorities to fast-track the pending streetlight installations and other infrastructure works, while seeking continued exemption from the toll.“The new notification came on Friday. We’ve sought exemption for residents of Kadamakkudy, Mulavukad and Cheranellor panchayats, which allocated land for the corridor. We’ve written to the authorities concerned to seek clarification. Otherwise, we’ll protest,” said M S Antony, Kadamakudy panchayat president.