T’puram: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari informed Lok Sabha that while KSRTC is eligible to avail the toll concessions already available under National Highway Fee Rules for frequent users, Centre is not looking to completely exempt KSRTC from paying toll fees.Replying to a query by MP N K Premachandran, the Union minister said vehicles making regular trips can avail monthly passes at concessional rates, while return journeys completed within 24 hours are eligible for reduced toll charges. Commercial vehicles registered in the same district where a toll plaza is located can also avail a 50% concession if there is no service road or alternative route. These benefits are also applicable to KSRTC, he said.However, Gadkari clarified that KSRTC remains liable to pay toll charges.Responding to another query seeking a share of toll revenue for the state govt, considering its contribution towards land acquisition for the NH 66 widening project, the minister said toll collections from all states, including Kerala, are credited to Consolidated Fund of India. The funds are subsequently allocated through the Union budget for the maintenance and development of national highways across the country.The minister noted that despite the exceptionally high cost of land acquisition in Kerala, Centre accorded priority to the NH 66 project. He said land acquisition for the project cost Rs 23,350 crore, while construction expenditure stood at Rs 28,370 crore. Of the land acquisition cost, Kerala govt’s share amounted to Rs 5,800 crore.Gadkari added that the NH 66 project would deliver significant social and economic benefits to local communities, besides promoting the growth of cities and towns and contributing to the state’s overall economic development.
