Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Eknath Shinde-led government has announced toll exemption for all light motor vehicles entering Mumbai.
The decision, which had been under consideration for several months, was formally announced on Monday by Maharashtra minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse in Mumbai.
The Maharashtra Cabinet decided to waive road toll tax for light vehicles at all five entry points to Mumbai. The five key toll plazas at the entry points to Mumbai are Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli and Mulund.
Terming the toll waiver a “revolutionary decision,” Bhuse stated, “The government has decided to exempt light vehicles from toll collection starting from midnight tonight.”
Approximately 3.5 lakh vehicles pass through these toll gates daily, including 2.8 lakh light vehicles and 70,000 heavy vehicles. The existing toll charges are Rs 45 for light vehicles and Rs 75 for heavy vehicles.
While the toll exemption applies to light motor vehicles, heavy vehicles will continue to pay toll charges at these entry points.
Bhuse highlighted that the exemption will not only benefit a large number of commuters but also help reduce traffic congestion at these toll plazas.
“The waiving of toll will significantly cut down the time people spend in long queues, offering smoother and faster access into the city,” he explained. “This decision has been in discussion for several months, and today, we have finally taken this revolutionary step.”