In a move motivated by the coming elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared on Tuesday that cars coming into Mumbai would not have to pay tolls starting at midnight. The decision to waive tolls has come under a barrage of criticism from opposition parties, which termed it an election stunt that might add to congestion in India’s financial hub.
The exemption of all light motor vehicles from toll taxes at five entry points in Mumbai was announced. The move was announced weeks ahead of the Maharashtra elections after a cabinet meeting.
“This decision will save commuters time and reduce pollution and traffic. It is a historic move,”
Shinde said to reporters.
Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse explained in detail that light vehicles would now pass free of cost through the toll booths at Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund, which have been functioning since 2002.
Charges at these toll plazas have ranged from ₹ 45 to ₹ 75, and they were supposed to continue until 2026. Bhuse informed that about 3.5 lakh vehicles, of which 2.80 lakh are light, cross these toll plazas daily.
“The time spent by the people in queues will be saved now. This revolutionary decision was under discussion for many months,”
He further said. Thane MP Naresh Mhaske of Shiv Sena termed the move a “long-standing” demand of the citizens. “Mumbaikars are delighted over this decision. Being from the Thane district, I always felt dejected while paying tolls. Free passage will boost development in the surrounding areas,” he said.
The opposition, however, has opposed the timing of the announcement, claiming that it was done with a political motive. Anand Dubey, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) spokesperson, wondered why tolls could not be scrapped earlier and also why heavy vehicles would still have to pay the charges even after paying for several years.
“The public will teach them a lesson in the elections,”
Warned Dubey.
