NH 66 toll may cost ₹3,000 one way from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram
THE much-awaited six-laning of National Highway 66 may make travel across Kerala considerably faster—but also substantially more expensive for motorists.
A car travelling from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram could eventually have to pay around ₹3,000 in toll charges one way, according to current estimates. This would make the round-trip toll cost about ₹6,000, excluding fuel and other expenses.
The projected increase is largely attributed to rising construction costs and changes in construction methods in several stretches of NH 66. Toll rates are expected to vary according to the nature and cost of individual highway sections.
13 toll plazas in the full stretch
Under the present plans, toll plazas will be located at roughly 60-km intervals, although the spacing can vary depending on the project stretch.
Eight additional toll plazas are currently under construction. These are at:
- Chalingal – Kasaragod
- Kalliassery – Kannur
- Azhiyur – Kozhikode
- Nattika – Thrissur
- Eramalloor – Alappuzha
- Kripasanam Junction – Alappuzha
- Ochira – Kollam
- Kalluvathukkal – Kollam
The existing toll plazas include Kolasheri, Kumbalam, Thiruvallam, Vettichira and Olavanna. At present, these five plazas together collect about ₹585 one way from a car.
Elevated highway could mean higher toll
The Eramalloor toll plaza, located on the Aroor–Thuravoor elevated highway, is expected to have one of the highest charges.
It will use a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, enabling vehicles to pass without stopping at a conventional toll booth.
Cameras will identify vehicles and deduct the applicable amount from the FASTag-linked account.
According to the current assessment, sections involving elevated roads, viaducts and tunnels could attract substantially higher tolls, with charges potentially reaching up to ten times the normal rate for such structures.
More expensive than Vande Bharat?
The proposed toll burden could make a road journey between Kerala's northern and southern ends unusually expensive.
The current Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express Executive Class fare is ₹2,860 one way, or ₹5,720 for a return journey. If the projected NH 66 toll reaches ₹3,000 each way, the toll alone for a return car journey would exceed the cost of a Vande Bharat Executive Class return ticket.
The new highway is expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time across Kerala significantly. However, the proposed toll structure is likely to trigger a fresh debate over whether the benefits of faster road travel will come at a high cost to ordinary road users.
For motorists, NH 66 could soon offer a faster journey—but at a price that may make them think twice before taking the road.
