Now Reading: Mumbai toll hike from 1 October: trucks, buses to pay more
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Mumbai toll hike from 1 October: trucks, buses to pay more
Toll charges for commercial vehicles entering and exiting Mumbai increased from 1 October, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said.
Mini buses and light commercial vehicles now pay Rs 90 per trip, up from Rs 75. Buses and trucks pay Rs 180, up from Rs 150, and heavy motor vehicles pay Rs 225 instead of Rs 190. The revised rates apply at five entry points: Airoli, Mulund LBS, Mulund Eastern Expressway, Dahisar and Vashi. Private cars, SUVs, public transport buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are exempt.
Transporters have opposed the hike. Bal Malkit Singh, former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the increase will raise operating costs, eventually pushing up freight rates and consumer prices. He urged the Maharashtra government to extend the toll exemption to heavy vehicles.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The toll hike directly hits the cost structure of Mumbai's freight and passenger transport operators, who must now absorb or pass on an increase of 15 to 20% per trip. The MSRDC offers discounted advance coupons, 25% off for 50 coupons and 50% off for 100, but this requires upfront capital that small operators may not have. The All India Motor Transport Congress argues that road construction costs have already been recovered, raising the question of whether the increase has a basis other than revenue. The exemption for private cars and public transport means the burden falls almost entirely on commercial goods and bus movement, which may push up prices of essentials in Mumbai.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
