Starting at midnight, light motor vehicles will no longer have to pay toll fees at Mumbai’s five entry points, marking a significant relief for commuters. This decision, made by the Maharashtra government, follows a series of public-friendly initiatives leading up to the upcoming assembly elections.
Mumbai Toll-Free: Major Announcement by Maharashtra Government
In a crucial decision made during the state cabinet meeting on Monday, the Maharashtra government has declared that tolls will be waived for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at all five entry points to Mumbai. The toll exemption will be implemented from 12 a.m. tonight, offering much-needed relief to motorists.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made this announcement as part of a broader effort to ease traffic flow during the festive season, particularly ahead of Diwali. The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed, “Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announces in the cabinet meeting that full toll exemption will be given for light motor vehicles at all 5 toll booths entering Mumbai.”
This move comes at a strategic time, just before the assembly polls next month, and follows a trend of populist decisions aimed at garnering voter support.
Key Details of the Toll-Free Decision
From midnight onwards, commuters in light motor vehicles such as cars, jeeps, vans, and small trucks will no longer have to pay the Rs 45 toll at any of the five main entry points into Mumbai. The toll booths included in this waiver are:
1. Dahisar
2. Mulund West (LBS Road)
3. Vashi
4. Airoli
5. Mulund East
This toll-free initiative is expected to significantly benefit daily commuters, particularly those traveling in and out of Mumbai for work, business, or personal reasons. The waiver comes after longstanding demands from political parties and local groups who have lobbied for years to remove toll fees for LMVs at these entry points.
A Long-Standing Demand Fulfilled
The toll removal at Mumbai’s entry points addresses a key demand that has been raised by various political parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and both factions of the Shiv Sena—the Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray camps. These groups have consistently pressured the government to ease the financial burden on commuters by eliminating tolls at city entry points.
In fact, Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent leader in the Uddhav Thackeray faction, recently emphasized the need for this toll waiver, highlighting the hardships faced by commuters due to rising costs and the frequent congestion at toll booths.
A Strategic Move Before the Polls
The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy. With the assembly elections just around the corner, the toll waiver appears to be part of a broader strategy to gain public favor and ensure voter support for the Mahayuti alliance. This coalition, led by Chief Minister Shinde, is hoping to capitalize on populist policies like the toll waiver to attract more votes.
Why Were Toll Booths Set Up?
The toll booths at Mumbai’s entry points were initially established by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). They were part of a larger infrastructure project to construct 55 flyovers across Mumbai, aimed at reducing traffic congestion. The tolls were introduced as a means of recouping the construction costs.
By 2002, all five toll booths became operational, and collection began. However, the demand to remove these tolls for light motor vehicles has been growing for years, especially as the cost burden on daily commuters has increased.
What Happens Next?
The removal of tolls at these entry points is expected to significantly ease the flow of traffic, especially during peak travel times, and provide financial relief to thousands of commuters who rely on these routes daily.
While the decision directly impacts light motor vehicles, it remains to be seen if similar measures will be taken for other categories of vehicles, including heavy trucks and commercial buses. For now, the focus is on reducing the financial burden on individual motorists and small businesses that rely on vans and small trucks for transportation.
As Mumbai prepares to go toll-free for light motor vehicles starting tonight, the move is seen as a significant step toward easing the burden on daily commuters. With elections around the corner, this decision will likely resonate with voters across the city and the wider state. It also sets a precedent for future infrastructure decisions aimed at benefiting the general public.
