KOCHI: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has proposed toll charges for bridges and roads costing above Rs50 crore, triggering predictable outrage from the public and opposition parties.
However, before dismissing the idea outright, we need to ask: is tolling really unfair? Or is it, in fact, the fairest way to finance infrastructure?
At its core, infrastructure development requires funding. If the government builds a Rs50 crore bridge, the money has to come from the people – one way or another. The traditional approach is to raise taxes or allocate budgetary funds, meaning every taxpayer, irrespective of whether they use the bridge, ends up contributing.
This is inherently unjust – why should someone living miles away, who may never even see the bridge, let alone use it, be forced to pay for it?
Win-win situation
A toll-based system, on the other hand, ensures that only those who actually use the infrastructure contribute to its cost. This is not just a more targeted way of financing projects but also a fairer one. More importantly, modern technology allows for a more nuanced and progressive tolling system.
For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Road Pricing can ensure that those who use larger, costlier vehicles pay higher tolls, while those who rely on public transport or smaller vehicles contribute less.
This not only reduces the financial burden on ordinary citizens but also encourages the use of sustainable transport options, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
The result? A win-win situation. The roads and bridges get funded without burdening every taxpayer, those who pay higher tolls enjoy smoother roads with less congestion, and public transport usage sees a boost.
Instead of opposing tolls on principle, the debate should be about ensuring that the tolling system is transparent, efficient, and equitable. If designed correctly, tolls can be the most logical way to fund infrastructure – without unfairly burdening those who don’t use it.
