By – Prakarsh Kastwar
In a significant move ahead of the assembly elections, the Maharashtra Cabinet has declared that all five toll booths connected to Mumbai will be toll-free for light motor vehicles starting from midnight tonight. This decision is expected to bring substantial relief to drivers, particularly as the assembly elections approach and the code of conduct is set to come into effect.
The five toll booths affected by this announcement are:
- Vashi
- Dahisar
- Mulund (LBS Road)
- Mulund (Eastern Express Highway)
- Airoli
Previously, light motor vehicles were required to pay a toll fee of ₹45, while heavier vehicles faced charges of ₹75. With this new directive, small vehicle drivers will no longer need to pay any toll at these entry points into Mumbai, a move that is being hailed as a “masterstroke” by the ruling Mahayuti government.
Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagdu Bhuse stated, “There were five toll plazas to enter Mumbai, and a significant number of vehicles—about 3.5 lakh—traveled through these booths daily. Today, the government has decided to exempt light vehicles from tolls after midnight. This decision is expected to save people time in queues and comes after prolonged discussions within the government.”
The toll booths, operational since 2002, were initially established to recover costs associated with the construction of 55 flyovers in the city. Over the years, there has been consistent demand from various political parties and activists, including members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and former state minister Aditya Thackeray, to waive these toll fees.
This announcement marks a strategic move by the government to garner support from voters ahead of the upcoming elections, responding to a long-standing demand from the public for toll-free travel into Mumbai. With the implementation of this decision, small vehicle drivers can look forward to a smoother and more economical journey into the bustling metropolis.