The Kozhikode bus stand was leased to Alif Group over the objections of the Finance and Transport Departments

Documents confirm allegations that the government had a special interest in giving the building complex to Alif Builders itself.

Thiruvananthapuram: The government has handed over the Kozhikode KSRTC building complex on lease to Alif Builders, Kozhikode, over the objections of the Finance Department and the Transport Department. The Finance Department had suggested that it would be profitable to lease the building complex in separate units. The Department of Transport has suggested that the management of the commercial complex should be handed over to KSRTC. However, the ministry rejected both proposals and gave Alif Builders the task of running the building.

Documents confirm the allegation that the government had a special interest in giving the building complex to Alif Builders itself. In a letter submitted to the government by the Department of Transport, citing the Finance Secretary’s suggestions, it was stated that the third attempt to lease the commercial complex as a single unit had failed and the fourth attempt was being made. Instead, the building can be auctioned off as separate units with maximum publicity. Local self-government bodies and other agencies may also try out models that have been successfully auctioned off by shopping complexes. The letter states that the first tender won by Mac Builders on the condition of a deposit of Rs.

The Department of Transport also demanded that the commercial complexes be handed over to KSRTC to settle the liabilities of KTDFC. The Department of Transport argued that the non-ticket revenue could be increased only if the BOT-based complex was handed over to KSRTC in this manner. But all this was rejected and it was decided to hand over the responsibility of running the last cabinet meeting of the first Pinarayi government to Alif Builders. The new decision is based on delays in bidding on separate units, the age of the building complex and concerns that the auction price may be lower.

Last Updated Oct 12, 2021, 8:54 AM IST