Free Entry for Cars in Mumbai

Mumbai motorists will no longer have to pay tolls, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced today that toll charges for light motor vehicles entering the city will be waived. The decision, effective from midnight, has stirred controversy with the opposition, who labelled it an election gimmick and warned of potential traffic chaos in India's financial hub.

Toll Exemption for Light Vehicles

CM Shinde declared that all light vehicles would be exempted from paying tolls at the five entry points to Mumbai. The decision comes just weeks ahead of the Maharashtra elections and was revealed at a state cabinet meeting held in Mumbai. "This move will save commuters' time, reduce traffic congestion, and lower pollution levels. It is a historic decision," Mr Shinde stated in a press briefing.

CM Shinde

Affected Toll Booths

Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse provided further details, explaining that light vehicles will no longer be charged at the toll booths in Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund. These toll plazas have been operational since 2002, with fees ranging from ₹45 to ₹75, initially set to continue until 2026.

"Approximately 3.5 lakh vehicles, including 2.8 lakh light vehicles, used to pass through these tolls daily. This decision will save time that was previously spent in long queues," Bhuse said, adding that the government had been deliberating over this for months before finally reaching this "revolutionary decision."

Long-Standing Demand Fulfilled

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske from Thane welcomed the decision, calling it a "long-pending" demand. Speaking to NDTV, Mhaske said, "Mumbaikars are happy with this move. Coming from Thane, I used to feel the burden of tolls every time. Now, with free movement, there will be more development in the surrounding areas."

Opposition Criticizes Timing

However, opposition parties were quick to criticize the announcement, accusing the ruling government of using the toll waiver as an election strategy. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) spokesperson Anand Dubey questioned the timing of the decision, stating, "You could have stopped the toll earlier, but you didn’t. Why should heavy vehicles still pay tolls after years of doing so?" Dubey further warned, "The public will give you an answer in the upcoming elections."

The toll waiver comes after years of agitation by various activists and citizen groups in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, who had been demanding relief from toll charges.

Inputs by Agencies

Image Source: Multiple Agencies