Thrissur: Finance minister T.M. Thomas Isaac on Sunday promised to open an integrated check post soon at Walayar to ensure smooth clearance of commercial goods. The minister who had implemented ‘Corruption Free Walayar’ project during his earlier tenure said Rs 100 crore would be needed for the project.
“With the land available at present, such a mega project could not be completed. As a first step, five acres of land will be taken on lease to expand the check post and increase the counters meant for commercial tax clearance,” he said on his first visit here after assuming office. He reminded the officials that consignments were being sent to Mangalore and Thoothukudi ports instead of Kochi due to inordinate delay in getting clearance from Walayar.
"So, quick disposal of trucks is of utmost importance and issues regarding staff shortage would be fixed in a month." An automatic weighing bridge by which the vehicle numbers could be transmitted instantly to the commercial taxes department would solve the issue.
To put an end to the unscientific method of inspection, scanners costing Rs 30 crores would be installed. Rajan N. Khobragade, commissioner of commercial taxes, joint commissioner Thulasidharan Pillai and other top officials accompanied him. Dr. Isaac told the officials that he would frequently pay visits to the check post from now on.
