Mumbai goes toll-free for LMVs; MVA demands more, Raj Thackeray claims credit

The Maharashtra government's decision to abolish toll tax for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at all five Mumbai Entry Points (MEPs), effective from Monday-Tuesday midnight (October 15), has sparked varied reactions. While the move was welcomed by many, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) criticized it as politically motivated, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray quickly claimed credit for the change.

The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, took the decision to relieve LMVs from paying tolls at key entry points: Dahisar, Mulund, Thane, Airoli, and Vashi. However, tolls for heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), including large trucks, buses, and goods carriers, will remain in place.

Political Reactions and Criticism

While the move was greeted positively by the general public, several political leaders and activists voiced their concerns. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishore Tiwari, along with social activist Prafful Sarda, called the decision politically driven and demanded further action, particularly for HMVs.

Raj Thackeray expressed satisfaction, attributing the decision to MNS's persistent campaigns, some of which had turned violent. "We demanded transparency in toll collections and called for toll-free roads. At least now, Mumbaikars won’t have to pay tolls. Our agitations have borne fruit," said Thackeray.

Opposition Criticizes Timing and Scope

Implying political motives, Congress leader Sawant pointed out that the decision came just ahead of the Election Commission of India’s implementation of the poll code of conduct. “The ruling MahaYuti government is aware of public discontent and is afraid of losing power. That’s why they’re making such ‘feel-good’ decisions. But why not extend this to HMVs too?” he questioned.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Tiwari criticized the move as "elitist," cautioning that it might burden ordinary people in the long run. "After elections, contractors may increase tolls for HMVs, indirectly passing the costs onto the public. We demand all roads in Maharashtra be toll-free for all vehicles," said Tiwari.

NCP’s Clyde Crasto speculated that the exemption for Mumbai might be a last-ditch effort by the MahaYuti, fearing poor election prospects. “Why limit this to the Mumbai entry points? What about the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, or the expressways? This should have been a pan-Maharashtra decision,” Crasto argued.

Concerns Over Toll Contractor Compensation

Prafful Sarda, a Pune-based activist, highlighted concerns over how contractors would recover revenue losses due to LMV exemptions. "According to rules, if contractors lose revenue, they can extend their contract to recover the deficit. This needs to be investigated, especially during election time," he said.

Sawant also questioned how the government planned to compensate contractors for the lost revenue from LMVs and whether post-election toll hikes for HMVs or higher taxes for the public would follow.

Raj Thackeray demanded a thorough investigation into toll collections over the years, suggesting that many have profited from the system. “We need an inquiry into who benefited from the toll collection for so many years,” he said.

Government's Stand

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the decision, stating that it would benefit lakhs of motorists, particularly the middle class, by reducing traffic congestion, curbing pollution, and saving fuel costs. He emphasized that this move would bring much-needed relief to daily commuters in Mumbai.

IANS