Minister for Public Works V.K. Ebrahim Kunju, on Saturday, said the government would not be able to revoke the proposal for toll collection at the Kainatty railway overbridge as the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDC) had taking out loans from financial firms to complete the project.
The Minister confirmed the government’s stance during the inauguration of the overbridge at Kainatty. Mr. Kunju, who opened the overbridge, said that Rs.17 crore was spent on the project, of which Rs.26 lakh was for acquiring land.
The Minister, while referring to the protest against the toll collection, said the residents on either side of the bridge would be excluded from toll payment. “RBDC introduced toll collection since there was no other alternative,” he said.
C.K. Nanu, MLA, presided over the function. Mullappally Ramachandran, MP, was the chief guest. Managing Director of RBDC Mohammed Hanish; District Collector C.A. Latha; and Vadakara municipal chairperson P.P. Ranjini were present.
18 spansThe overbridge, which was completed as a joint venture by the RBDC and Railways, has 18 spans and a length of 451 metres. Construction began at the site in June 2010.
