The Kozhikode Bypass toll collection will officially begin on October 1, 2025, covering the stretch from Ramanattukara to Vengalam. The project, managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to improve road development and maintenance throughout the region.
Toll Collection Features
- Toll payments will use the FASTag system, which is already activated along the bypass for seamless cashless transactions. A trial run to check system readiness is scheduled for September 24 or 25.
- The toll plaza is set up at Koodathumpara, near Pantheerankavu, featuring five entry and exit points to efficiently manage traffic and minimize congestion during peak hours.
- Residents within a 20 km radius of the plaza are eligible for a concessional monthly pass at ₹300. Proof of residence is required, and distribution of these passes begins with the trial run.
- For frequent users, an annual plan via FASTag is available at ₹3,000, allowing for up to 200 trips per year on this bypass stretch.
Bypass Project Status
- The main bypass stretch from Ramanattukara to Vengalam is fully complete, with final certification for contractors underway. However, some service road sections especially near Malaparamba Junction, Nellikkode Azhathrikovil Temple, HiLITE Mall, and Metromed Hospital are still pending completion.
- Special construction approval has been granted for the Malaparamba stretch using a soil nailing-based design, and widening works are scheduled where the main road narrows at Palazhi junction.
- Land acquisition and service road work remain in progress at three additional locations.
Exemptions and Details
- In some areas with incomplete service roads, autos and two-wheelers are permitted on the bypass, but restrictions apply elsewhere.
Broader Context
- The Kozhikode Bypass toll is part of a broader push to modernize and sustain Kerala’s highway infrastructure, with other major projects like the Thalassery–Mahe bypass also near completion and set to launch toll collection soon.
- These initiatives are targeting smoother travel, reduced congestion, and systematic road maintenance funding for both urban and semi-urban commuters in Kerala.
This development is seen as a key milestone in upgrading Kozhikode’s road network, making local and through travel both safer and more efficient, though some service road and land acquisition issues still need resolution
