Kerala govt considering tolls on KIIFB funded roads: CPI(M); Cong opposes it

Thiruvananthapuram/Idukki, Feb 4 (PTI): The Kerala government is reportedly weighing the possibility of imposing tolls on roads constructed using funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), a move that has sparked a political storm in the state.

While the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) defended the idea as a necessary revenue-generation measure due to the Centre’s alleged financial neglect of Kerala, the opposition Congress fiercely opposed it, vowing to launch strong protests against what they termed an attempt to "rob the people."

CPI(M) Defends Possible Toll Imposition​

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, addressing reporters in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, clarified that no final decision had been made on imposing tolls and that discussions with KIIFB were required. However, he stressed that given the Centre's unfavourable stance towards Kerala’s financial situation, the state must explore ways to generate revenue from KIIFB-funded projects.

LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan echoed similar sentiments, stating in Thiruvananthapuram that with KIIFB borrowings being included in the state's debt, finding alternative revenue sources was essential.

"You have seen the Centre’s approach in its budget. Since KIIFB’s borrowings add to the state’s debt, we need to consider revenue-generation measures for the massive development projects funded through KIIFB," Ramakrishnan explained.

Congress Slams Government, Calls KIIFB a ‘White Elephant’​

In a sharp rebuttal, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Sudhakaran blamed the government’s alleged financial mismanagement and KIIFB's irregular transactions for the state's economic crisis. He accused the CPI(M) of hypocrisy, recalling that the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government (2016–2021) had promised toll-free roads while the party had historically protested against toll collection.

"As KIIFB’s debt burden grows and loan repayments become difficult, the government is trying to financially squeeze the people," Sudhakaran said, adding that Congress would not allow any additional burden on the public.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also lashed out at the government, branding KIIFB a "white elephant" and a "curse" on Kerala. He insisted that the government should prioritize revenue-generating projects rather than imposing tolls on roads and bridges, which are currently toll-free.

Chennithala reiterated that Congress had long warned about the financial risks associated with KIIFB, and he accused the government of pushing the state into an economic quagmire.

As the debate intensifies, the proposal to levy tolls on KIIFB-funded roads remains a contentious issue, with the government standing firm on exploring options while the opposition vows to resist any move that burdens the public.