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Mumbai toll wavier- Exemption announced for cars and light motor vehicles by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, effective from midnight.
Mumbai Toll Waiver Announcement Ahead of Elections
Cars entering Mumbai will no longer be required to pay tolls, as announced today by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The toll waiver comes into effect from midnight and has immediately sparked a backlash from the opposition, who have termed it as an election sop ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra polls. The opposition also warned that this move could exacerbate the traffic congestion issues in the city.
Light Motor Vehicles to Benefit from Exemption
Eknath Shinde announced that all light motor vehicles will now be exempt from toll tax at five key entry points into Mumbai. The toll booths that will implement this exemption include Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund. These booths, commissioned in 2002, were charging tolls between ₹45 and ₹75, which was to be in effect until 2026.
Benefits to Commuters: Reduced Queues and Pollution
The Maharashtra government emphasized that the exemption would help reduce waiting times for commuters, ease traffic, and lower pollution levels.Regarding this Mumbai toll wavier- “This is a historic decision that will save commuters time and reduce pollution,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said at a press conference following the cabinet meeting.
Government Defends Move Amid Opposition Criticism
Maharashtra minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse reiterated that the toll waiver has been under consideration for several months, and today’s decision is expected to benefit approximately 3.5 lakh vehicles, including 2.80 lakh light vehicles that travel through these toll plazas daily. While the opposition criticizes the move as politically motivated, Bhuse defended it as a practical solution that will positively impact Mumbai’s commuters.