Different rules for toll collection

: It seems there are different rules for collecting toll in Tripunithura compared to other toll plazas in the State.

Specific period

One of the rules says that the toll is collected for a specific period which is either collecting the cost of construction at a rate of 9 per cent simple interest or 15 years, whichever is earlier.

Another rule says that toll collection at one point should be applicable to all bridges within 15 kms.

And yet another rule says that toll is collected for bridges and not roads.

All three rules seem to be in violation in Tripunithura.

There are three toll points in Tripunithura, the first one at Mini Bypass at entry from Maradu, second one at S. N. Junction bridge and the third one at Chithrapuzha bridge.

All the three bridges are well within the distance limit.

The only concession is the S. N. Junction and Chithrapuzha bridge which RBDCK had linked, even though S. N. Junction bridge is located on the National Highway and not part of the Seaport-Airport Road.

Even as RBDCK has collected Rs. 26.92 crore against the construction cost of Rs. 10.96 crore for two bridges, the agency has not yet reviewed the long-standing demand of the people in the area to stop the toll collection.

The Mini-Bypass constructed by at Rs. 6.21 crore had collected Rs. 57.57 lakh from April 2013 to March 2014.