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Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a complete toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five toll booths entering Mumbai, effective from midnight. This decision, taken during the state government’s last cabinet meeting before the upcoming Assembly elections, will provide relief to daily commuters by eliminating toll charges at key entry points. The toll booths at Dahisar, Mulund, Vashi, Airoli, and Teen hath Naka will now offer toll-free passage for light vehicles, saving commuters the previous charge of Rs 45 at each booth. The move is expected to ease congestion and benefit thousands of vehicles that pass through these entry points daily.

Opposition Criticizes Move as Pre-Election Gimmick

Following the announcement, opposition leaders criticized the timing of the decision, accusing the Shinde government of using it as a pre-election tactic. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the move as a “desperate measure” to divert attention from other issues, such as the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. She claimed the decision was made to placate voters ahead of the election and distract from the state’s worsening law and order situation. “This is a desperate measure just hours before the election code of conduct comes into effect,” she tweeted. Chaturvedi further argued that the toll waiver, much like other last-minute promises, reflects the government’s insecurity about the upcoming elections. She said the ruling coalition was attempting to “salvage whatever little they can” before the polls.

CM Shinde Defends Decision, Calls it a Long-Standing Demand

In response to the opposition’s accusations, CM Shinde defended the toll waiver, asserting that it had nothing to do with elections. He emphasized that this move addressed a long-standing demand from citizens who had faced traffic congestion and delays at Mumbai’s toll plazas for years. “This is not a ‘chunavi jumla’ (election gimmick),” Shinde said. “People have been asking for this for a long time. Traffic jams at toll plazas were a major issue, and by waiving tolls for light motor vehicles, we are addressing that problem.” Shinde also highlighted the broader benefits of the toll waiver, stating that it would not only reduce traffic and save commuters time but also help lower pollution levels in the city. He called the decision a “historic masterstroke” and expressed his satisfaction that it was implemented during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Raj Thackeray Praises Move

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray hailed the toll waiver as a victory for citizens, particularly those living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He congratulated his party members for their persistent efforts in demanding transparency in toll collections and fair road usage. Thackeray noted that his party had long advocated for toll-free roads and had even faced criticism for extreme measures taken in the past, such as vandalizing toll booths. With the toll waiver now in place, light motor vehicle owners across the region can expect a smoother and more cost-effective commute into Mumbai.