Minister calls deputy's Route 32 tunnel plan 'populist'

Costa Rican Minister of Public Works and Transport Efraím Zeledón has dismissed a legislative proposal to construct "fake tunnels" on Route 32 as a populist measure that fails to address the road's core issues. The initiative, put forth by Mangel McLean, a deputy from the National Liberation Party (PLN), was criticized by Zeledón, who argued it does not solve the primary problem plaguing the route.

Zeledón clarified that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) already possesses the legal authority to build tunnels, including "fake" ones, on Route 32. However, he identified the main obstacle as securing adequate financing for such projects. The minister emphasized the government's own plans, which include reactivating the cargo rail service to Limón as a more viable solution.

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The initiative promoted by deputy Mangel McLean does not solve the main problem on Route 32.

The minister's remarks underscore a divergence in approaches to improving the critical Route 32, a major artery connecting the capital region to the Caribbean port of Limón. While the legislative proposal focuses on a specific, potentially superficial, infrastructure element, the government's strategy appears to prioritize a more comprehensive and potentially costly, long-term solution involving rail transport.

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The MOPT already has the authority to build fake tunnels on Route 32, but the main obstacle remains financing.