Small Vehicles Exempted from Mumbai Toll Plazas, Effective Midnight

In a significant move to ease the daily commute, the Maharashtra government has announced a toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five toll plazas leading into Mumbai. This decision, announced during a cabinet meeting on Monday, will come into effect from midnight tonight, benefitting 2.8 lakh light vehicles that use these toll booths daily.

The exempted toll plazas are located at Vashi on the Sion-Panvel Highway, Mulund on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg and Eastern Express Highway, the Airoli Bridge on Airoli-Mulund Road, and Dahisar on the Western Express Highway.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that this exemption aims to relieve small vehicle owners of the toll burden and reduce congestion at these entry points. “After months of discussion, we have decided to exempt light vehicles from paying tolls starting at midnight,” Shinde said.

Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse further added, “Around 3.5 lakh vehicles pass through these toll booths daily, with 70,000 being heavy vehicles and 2.8 lakh light vehicles. The exemption will significantly reduce the wait time in queues, improving traffic flow.”

While this move has brought joy to commuters, it has also attracted criticism from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the government of using the decision as a political tool, calling it a "desperate attempt" to avoid defeat in upcoming elections. She remarked, "This decision, just before the election code of conduct comes into effect, is an attempt by the government to save face."

On the other hand, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray praised the decision, crediting his party’s relentless efforts in advocating for toll transparency. “My Maharashtra Sainiks fought for this victory. This exemption is a significant achievement, and it’s a moment of happiness for Mumbaikars," said Thackeray.

Despite the political reactions, the toll exemption will offer immediate relief to thousands of daily commuters in Mumbai, marking a major step toward improving the city's road congestion and traffic management.