The Union Government has ordered the immediate removal of the temporary toll plaza at Arikady on National Highway-66 (NH-66) in Kasaragod district, Kerala, following weeks of intense public protests. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra announced the decision at a press conference in New Delhi on February 4, 2026, emphasising the government’s commitment to public welfare amid rapid infrastructure development.

The toll plaza, located near Kumbla in Kasaragod, sparked widespread outrage when toll collection began on January 12, 2026. Local residents and commuters complained it violated National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) guidelines, which mandate a minimum 60 km distance between toll plazas- – the Arikady booth was just 22 km from the Talapady plaza on the Karnataka border. Initially set up temporarily due to delays in constructing the permanent Chalingal plaza, it imposed double toll burdens on daily travellers, including those heading to Mangaluru for work and medical care.

Protests erupted immediately, led by an all-party action committee under Manjeshwaram MLA A.K.M. Ashraf. On the first day, over 500 demonstrators blocked NH-66, staging a sit-in that halted traffic for hours; police deployed 300 personnel to maintain order. The agitation intensified on 13 January with verbal clashes between protesters and toll officials, prompting further police intervention. Tensions peaked on 14-15 January when hundreds vandalised the plaza, smashing glass panels, CCTV cameras, electronic machines, and booths in a violent outburst organised by the People’s Action Committee.

The BJP, initially absent from the action committee, joined the fray post-violence, with Kasaragod district president Ashwini M.L. Reportedly raising the issue with NHAI officials and party leadership.

Malhotra hailed the decision as “governance grounded in empathy and accountability,” crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for balancing growth with compassion. He noted India’s transformative infrastructure strides while underscoring “Ease of Living” as a priority. The move exempts locals from further fees, restoring free passage on this vital NH-66 stretch connecting Kerala to Karnataka.

Kasaragod residents welcomed the relief, with Ashraf terming it a victory for sustained agitation. The BJP claimed credit for bridging the gap with the Centre, amid local political rivalries—opposition parties like IUML and CPM had accused it of sideline tactics. NHAI confirmed operations ceased forthwith, averting further disruptions on the highway, crucial for northern Kerala’s economy.