‘Blame contractors, driver’s skill matters more’: Kerala Transport Minister defends LDF government on potholes

Thrissur: Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has appeared to belittle complaints about potholes, saying they are not a new issue and blaming contractors for lapses. He said potholes were once far more common and claimed their numbers have dropped during the past nine years under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. 

“My vehicle, no matter what happens, won’t jump into such a pothole,” he remarked, stressing that avoiding them reflects a driver’s skill. The minister said holding the government or ministers responsible for potholes is pointless, as these are often due to contractor negligence.

He was addressing the media after inspecting the renovated KSRTC stand in Thrissur on Tuesday.

KSRTC staff warned amid financial stress

Ganesh Kumar also warned KSRTC employees to perform their duties sincerely. He said that the government continues to disburse salaries regularly, despite financial pressure.

According to him, the government is currently using a Rs 100 crore loan to pay salaries, which incurs an interest of Rs 40 lakh every month. He admitted that raising further funds has become increasingly difficult. In light of this, the government is planning several cost-cutting measures.