Kerala govt considering tolls on KIIFB funded roads: Reports
text_fieldsThiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is reportedly considering the introduction of tolls on roads constructed with funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The proposal has drawn sharp reactions, with the ruling CPI(M) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) suggesting that such revenue-generation measures could be necessary due to what they allege is the Centre’s neglect of the state.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, speaking in Thodupuzha in Idukki district, clarified that no final decision had been made yet, adding that discussions would be held with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) on the matter. Govindan argued that with the Centre's unfavorable financial stance towards Kerala, it became crucial to explore ways of generating revenue from KIIFB-funded development projects.
LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Left Front was actively deliberating the proposal. He pointed out that, in light of the Centre’s budget stance and KIIFB's borrowings being counted as part of the state's debt, generating revenue from development projects funded by KIIFB was becoming increasingly necessary.
On the other hand, opposition parties, particularly the Congress, strongly opposed the idea of tolls, labeling it as an unjust burden on the people. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran accused the government of financial mismanagement, attributing the state’s financial woes to alleged irregularities in KIIFB transactions and violations in obtaining loans. He claimed that as KIIFB’s debt grew and loan repayments became challenging, the government was looking to "squeeze" the public financially.
Sudhakaran also reminded the public that the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government (2016–2021) had promised toll-free roads, and the CPI(M) had consistently opposed tolls. He declared that Congress would vigorously protest any attempt by the government to impose tolls or additional financial burdens on the people.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala further criticized KIIFB, calling it a "white elephant" and a "curse" for the state. He emphasized that tolls should not be imposed on roads and bridges, as the public currently enjoys toll-free access. Chennithala urged the government to focus on alternative revenue-generating initiatives rather than placing an additional financial burden on citizens. He reiterated that the opposition had forewarned the government about the harmful impact of KIIFB on the state's economy.
With PTI inputs