The CPM-led Left government is set to introduce a special toll collection system for KIIFB roads to address the financial crisis caused by KIIFB’s loan obligations. The decision has been made to generate revenue from roads built with an investment of over ₹50 crore. The state cabinet has approved the necessary legislative measures to implement this toll system, aimed at overcoming the challenges in securing loans.
The inclusion of KIIFB’s borrowings under the state’s public debt had created obstacles for its infrastructure development initiatives. The government had even approached the Supreme Court against the restrictions imposed on loan limits. The proposed toll system will be modeled after the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) toll collection method, where a fixed amount is paid at each booth, rather than calculating charges based on the exact distance traveled.
However, in the case of KIIFB roads, toll charges will be based on the actual distance traveled. Additionally, local residents will be exempt from paying the toll. While the cabinet has approved the necessary legislation for toll collection, reports suggest that the decision is being kept highly confidential. KIIFB has already begun studies on the toll implementation process.
Recently, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reported that KIIFB’s borrowing system is not outside the budget and that it increases the government’s financial liabilities.
