Toll-Free Entry To Mumbai For Cars, SUVs From Today: All You Need to Know

Mumbai: In a major announcement ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has removed toll tax for all checkpoints at Mumbai entrances. Here are all the details you need to know…

Toll-Free Entry to Mumbai from Today

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has made a major announcement ahead of Diwali, for all commuters to Mumbai, travelling to the city by road. 

Shinde made the announcement at the state cabinet meeting in Mumbai. The toll waiver has been applied from Monday midnight.

Checkpoints Free from Mumbai Toll Tax

The announcement reads, “Toll for light vehicles has been removed from all 5 toll nakas entering Mumbai. Now small vehicles can pass through Dahisar, Mulund, Vashi, Airoli and Teenhath naka without paying toll.”

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Calls it ‘Permanent Decision’

Reacting to his decision of removing toll tax at Mumbai's entry points, Eknath Shinde has said, “People come to Maharashtra, there was traffic and toll tax. Lakhs of car and bike owners have been exempted from toll tax. We will save fuel, and less traffic. This is a permanent decision, this decision is a masterstroke and historical.”

Over 2.5 Lakh Vehicles to Benefit Daily

As many as 2.8 lakh vehicles on average are likely to benefit from the toll waiver announced by the Maharashtra government for entry points to Mumbai daily, an official said on Monday.

An official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said every day, 3.6 lakh vehicles pass through the five toll booths located on LBS Road and Eastern Express Highway at Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge, Western Express Highway at Dahisar and Vashi Creek Brigade.

"Of the total 3.6 lakh vehicles to pass these five toll plazas to enter the city, on an average 2.8 lakh are light motor vehicles," the official said.

Transporters Body Demands Toll Waiver for Commercial Vehicles

However, a transporters' body, while welcoming the government's decision, accused it of giving stepmotherly treatment to the fraternity.

"As a member of the transport fraternity, it pains me to witness the stepmotherly treatment given to this sector, which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the people of Mumbai," said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the All India Motor Transport Congress 's core committee.

He demanded that the toll waiver be extended to commercial vehicle operators and reiterated the demand to abolish border checkposts.

"Implementing the removal of these posts in Maharashtra would have had a positive impact on the transport fraternity, both in the state and across India," Singh said.

(Inputs from PTI)