In a politically charged move, the Maharashtra state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has announced the abolition of the ₹45 toll charged at the entrances of Mumbai for cars and SUVs, effective from midnight tonight. This decision comes just ahead of the Maharashtra polls and is seen as a response to growing public dissatisfaction with the toll.
The toll has been levied on vehicles using 55 flyovers constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) during the Shiv Sena-BJP rule from 1995 to 1999. The toll was collected at several checkpoints, including Mulund, Airoli, Dahisar, and Mankhurd.
Shinde, who represents Thane in the legislative assembly, had previously organized protests against the toll, arguing that it was an unfair financial burden on his constituents who commute to Mumbai for work. The Chief Minister’s recent cabinet decision reflects his commitment to addressing the concerns of Thane residents.
Despite MSRDC’s request to continue collecting the toll to recover costs for the new Thane Creek Bridge, the government opted for its removal. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had also been vocal in its demand for the toll’s abolition, claiming that the construction costs had already been recouped through toll collections.
Kirit Somaiya, a former BJP MP and vocal opponent of the toll, welcomed the decision, stating, “I welcome this daring decision for construction. The money was recovered long back.”
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is set to embark on constructing an elevated road from Ghatkopar to Thane at a cost of ₹2,682 crore, which will still involve toll charges. This new route is expected to enhance connectivity for Thane residents to the Eastern Freeway, facilitating easier travel to the island city.
As the elections approach, this move is likely to play a significant role in influencing voter sentiment in the region, with the Shinde-led government attempting to demonstrate its responsiveness to public needs.
Sources By Agencies
