Kerala Government Waives GST and Royalty for National Highway Projects

In a major step to boost infrastructure development, the Kerala Council of Ministers has approved a waiver of the state's share of GST and royalty charges for all upcoming National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects within the state. The decision is aimed at reducing the financial burden on these projects and ensuring their timely and efficient implementation.
The state government emphasised that the expansion of existing highways and the development of new ones are critical to achieving Kerala’s long-term development goals. A comprehensive proposal outlining these priorities had earlier been submitted to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. In response, the Minister acknowledged the importance of active state-level support in driving national infrastructure initiatives.
Following this engagement, the state cabinet reviewed the proposal and confirmed Kerala’s commitment to actively participate in all future national highway development projects. This move reflects the government's broader strategy to improve connectivity, promote regional development, and support the state's economic growth.