Before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, state CM Eknath Shinde has given big relief to light vehicle drivers. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) will not have to pay toll tax at all five toll booths at entry points in Mumbai. A big announcement in this regard was made in the state cabinet meeting. This decision will come into effect from 12 midnight today (14 October 2024). This is being considered a masterstroke of the Mahayuti government before the implementation of the code of conduct for the assembly elections. The Eknath Shinde government of Maharashtra has given relaxation in toll by passing a proposal in the cabinet just before the assembly elections.
Tonight at 12 o’clock, light vehicles entering the city from all five toll tolls of Mumbai will get complete exemption in toll. The cabinet meeting held this morning is being considered as the last cabinet of the current tenure of Shinde government.
Toll tax will not be charged on entering Mumbai
After this announcement by the government, there will be no tax to be paid at all 5 toll booths in Mumbai. There are Dahisar Toll Plaza, Mulund (LBS route), Mulund (Eastern Express Highway), Sion-Panvel Highway at Vashi, Airoli Creek Bridge. At present, one has to pay Rs 45 for passing through these tolls. Those vehicles are included in light vehicles. In which 10 or less people can travel sitting. This includes vehicles like scooter, bike, car, auto rickshaw, mini bus. At the same time, this decision of Shinde government is being called a ploy to woo the vote bank. The reason for this is that the decision has been taken at such a time. When assembly elections are near. Election dates can be announced any time in the state.
Drivers will save so much money
Dadaji Bhuse of Maharashtra Government said that at the time of entry into Mumbai, there are 5 toll plazas including Dahisar Toll, Anand Nagar Toll, Vaishali, Airoli and Mulund. Rs 45 and Rs 75 are charged on these tolls. This rule was applicable till 2026. About 3.5 lakh vehicles come and go. These include about 70,000 heavy vehicles and 2.80 lakh light vehicles. Light vehicle drivers will benefit greatly from this decision of the government.
The opposition attacked
As soon as the state government announced toll free, the opposition became aggressive. Shiv Sena leader of Uddhav Thackeray faction Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the Maharashtra government is desperate even before the elections. He further claimed that the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government is not able to handle the deteriorating law and order situation in the state after the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui. In such a situation, this has been done to divert people’s attention.
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