**Executive Summary**
The Government of India has decided to immediately remove the temporary toll plaza located near Arikady on National Highway-66 (NH-66) in Kasaragod District, Kerala. This decision, announced on February 4, 2026, aims to ensure commuter convenience and public welfare. The removal follows representations from the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala and a comprehensive review by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Toll Plaza Removal:**
* The temporary toll plaza near Arikady on NH-66 in Kasaragod District, Kerala, will be removed with immediate effect.
* This action is in response to representations from the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala.
* The decision was based on a comprehensive review by the Ministry, concluding that the challenges faced by the local population warranted immediate corrective action.
* The operation and fee collection at the temporary toll plaza near Arikady will be stopped forthwith.
* **Government Rationale:**
* The decision prioritizes public welfare and commuter convenience.
* The government remains sensitive to citizens' concerns and committed to resolving issues causing unnecessary hardship.
* The removal exemplifies governance that listens to citizens, addresses challenges, and ensures development benefits the intended recipients.
* The government states its commitment to build a future-ready India.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Commuters / General Public**
* **Impact:** Increased convenience and reduced financial burden due to the removal of the toll. The removal addresses difficulties faced by local residents.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required. The toll plaza will be removed automatically.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways**
* **Impact:** Successful addressal of an important issue faced by citizens, strengthening their image and reinforcing their commitment to public welfare.
* **Action Required:** Ensure swift and complete removal of the toll plaza.
**Stakeholder: Local Residents of Arikady and Kasaragod District, Kerala**
* **Impact:** Toll plaza removal facilitates their access to neighboring areas.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required. The toll plaza will be removed automatically.
Key Entities Referenced
NH-66: National Highway 66, where a temporary toll plaza was removed.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: The ministry that decided to remove the temporary toll plaza.
Arikady: Location in Kasaragod District, Kerala, where the toll plaza was removed.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Removal of Temporary Toll Plaza at NH-66 in
Arikady in Kasaragod District, Kerala
Posted On: 04 FEB 2026 5:27PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards ensuring commuter convenience and public welfare, the Government of India has
decided to remove the temporary toll plaza located near Arikady on National Highway-66 (NH-66) in
Kasaragod District, Kerala, with immediate effect. The temporary toll plaza had been established as part
of operational arrangements related to the development and maintenance of NH-66.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways & Corporate Affairs Shri Harsh Malhotra addressed a
press conference at New Delhi today to formally announce the decision and outline the Government’s
rationale of prioritising public welfare while pursuing rapid infrastructure development across the country.
He emphasised that the Government remains sensitive to the concerns of citizens and is fully committed to
resolving issues that create unnecessary hardship for the public. He reiterated that infrastructure growth
must always go hand in hand with Ease of Living.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had received representations from the State unit of the
Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala, regarding the issues arising from the temporary toll plaza at Arikady.
Following the receipt of these representations, and under the guidance of Minister of Road Transport and
Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry conducted a comprehensive review examining multiple aspects
of the toll plaza issue.
Based on this review, the Ministry concluded that the challenges faced by the local population warranted
immediate corrective action. Accordingly, it was decided that the operation and fee collection at the
temporary toll plaza near Arikady should be stopped forthwith.Announcing the decision, Shri Harsh Malhotra stated that governance must remain grounded in empathy
and accountability, and clarified that the decision was firmly rooted in addressing the genuine difficulties
experienced by local residents.
The Minister further noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and
the guidance of Shri Nitin Gadkari, India has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure
development over the past decade. The Government has consistently undertaken transformative projects
aimed at enhancing connectivity and unlocking economic potential across regions.
Shri Harsh Malhotra stated that the Government remains steadfast in its mission to build a future-ready
India where growth is matched by compassion, and where every policy decision reflects the aspirations
and well-being of the people. The removal of the temporary toll plaza at Arikady stands as yet another
example of governance in action—listening to citizens, addressing challenges, and ensuring that
development ultimately serves those it is meant to benefit.
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GDH/HJ
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Read this release in: Malayalam