Maharashtra Government Abolishes Toll for Cars and SUVs Entering Mumbai
The Maharashtra government has abolished the toll charges for cars and SUVs entering Mumbai, effective from midnight. This decision is expected to ease the financial burden on commuters and reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas.
Maharashtra GovernmentToll AbolitionMumbaiMsrdcFlyoversReal Estate MaharashtraOct 14, 2024
According to Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse, there are five toll plazas at the entry points into Mumbai Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund. These toll plazas have been charging Rs 45 and Rs 75, a practice that was supposed to continue until 2026. About 3.5 lakh vehicles use these toll plazas daily, with 70,000 being heavy vehicles and 2.8 lakh being light vehicles. The government's decision to exempt light vehicles from toll charges will save commuters both time and money, reducing the time spent in queues.
The toll charges were implemented to fund the construction of 55 flyovers by the MSRDC. These flyovers were built during the Shiv Sena-BJP rule from 1995 to 1999. However, the abolition of toll charges will only apply to cars and SUVs, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
The decision was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a cabinet meeting on Monday morning. As an MLA representing Thane, an adjoining district to Mumbai, Shinde has been a vocal critic of the toll charges. He has led several demonstrations against the toll, highlighting the financial burden it places on commuters. People from neighboring districts often have to pay the toll despite the districts being virtually merged with Mumbai.
The timing of this decision, coming just a few weeks before the Assembly elections slated for November 2024, has been seen as politically motivated. The MSRDC, however, was reportedly in favor of continuing the toll to recover the cost of the new Thane Creek Bridge. Despite this, the government has decided to proceed with the abolition of the toll for cars and SUVs, aiming to provide immediate relief to commuters.
This move is expected to have a positive impact on the daily commute for thousands of people, reducing traffic congestion and improving travel efficiency. It also reflects the government's commitment to easing the financial burden on the public and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Mumbai and its surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the toll charges for cars and SUVs entering Mumbai get abolished?
The toll charges for cars and SUVs entering Mumbai were abolished from midnight.
Which minister announced the abolition of toll charges?
Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse announced the abolition of toll charges.
How many vehicles use the toll plazas daily?
Approximately 3.5 lakh vehicles use the toll plazas daily, with 70,000 being heavy vehicles and 2.8 lakh being light vehicles.
Which flyovers were funded by the toll charges?
The toll charges were used to fund the construction of 55 flyovers by the MSRDC, built during the Shiv Sena-BJP rule from 1995 to 1999.
Is the abolition of toll charges politically motivated?
The timing of the decision, coming just a few weeks before the Assembly elections scheduled for November 2024, has been seen as politically motivated.
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