State govt denies toll exemption to MH04 vehicles

KYT Team

In order to give respite to Thanekars, BJP staged an agitation to get rid of the toll levied on MH-04 vehicles entering Mumbai. But the demand has been rejected on the grounds that the state’s financial situation is dire.

Sanjay Kelkar, MLA of Thane city constituency, had raised this issue in the last winter session. He urged the government should give relief to all MH04 light vehicles in the first phase. But government has turned down this demand on the grounds of bleak financial condition.

In Baramati taluka, if toll exemption was given, then why can’t this be replicated in Thane questioned MLA Kelkar.

MH04 vehicles have to go through five toll plazas; Mulund (Eastern Expressway), Mulund (LBS Marg), Vashi, Airoli and Dahisar. A contract has been signed between government and M/s M.E.P. Infra. Pvt. company to maintain roads and repair flyovers and few ancillary structures from the funds generated from these five toll plazas. Toll of Rs 2,100 crore is estimated to be collected for the period between November 2010 to November 2026.

A special committee set up under Additional Chief Secretary had submitted a report to the government on toll exemption. MLA Kelkar has demanded government to repay for these five Mumbai entry point toll plazas.

However, the alliance government in the state has turned a Nelson’s eye to this demand, said Mr. Kelkar.