Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Monday that light motor vehicles will be exempt from paying tolls at five key toll booths entering Mumbai.

The decision, which is expected to be implemented from 12:00 am on October 14, 2024, will apply to vehicles like cars, jeeps, vans, and small trucks.

The toll exemption will cover the Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vashi, Airoli, and Mulund booths. However, the Atal Setu toll will not be included in the waiver.

This move comes at a time when the city is preparing for increased travel during the festive season, especially ahead of Diwali, and is expected to ease the movement of commuters in and out of Mumbai.

The toll waiver has been a long-standing demand by various political parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and leaders from both factions of the Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also recently reiterated the call for the removal of toll charges at Mumbai’s entry points.

With this decision, commuters using the Dahisar, LBS Road-Mulund, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge, and Vashi toll booths will no longer be required to pay toll fees, providing relief for daily travelers.