In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra government announced the exemption of toll fees for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at five entry points into Mumbai, effective from Tuesday. This decision will result in an annual revenue loss of approximately ₹250 crore, but officials emphasize that the relief provided to citizens outweighs this financial impact.
Currently, the monthly toll revenue from these five booths stands at around ₹45 crore, with cars contributing about ₹22 crore. Annually, this totals approximately ₹500 crore from all vehicles. The five affected toll plazas are located in key areas: two in Mulund (East and West), and additional booths at Airoli, Dahisar, and near Vashi.
The announcement, made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday, aims to ease the financial burden on commuters, enhancing traffic flow into the city and benefiting local businesses and residents.
While the toll exemption presents a challenge in terms of funding for infrastructure maintenance, the government believes that the positive impact on daily commuters and overall urban mobility is a priority. Stakeholders will need to explore alternative revenue streams to sustain Mumbai’s infrastructure in light of this major policy change.
Also Read: No More Toll Charges for Light Motor Vehicles Entering Mumbai