Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 1: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has revised toll rates for commercial and other specified vehicles entering and exiting Mumbai through five major entry points, with the new rates coming into effect from October 1.

Under the revised rates, mini buses and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will be charged Rs 90 per trip, up from Rs 75. The toll for buses and trucks has been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 180, while heavy motor vehicles will now pay Rs 225 instead of Rs 190.

The revised rates apply at the Airoli, Mulund LBS, Mulund Eastern Expressway, Dahisar and Vashi entry points.

Private cars and SUVs continue to remain exempt from toll at Mumbai's entry points. Public transport buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are also exempt. The exemption for light motor vehicles was introduced by the Maharashtra government in October 2024. School buses and state transport buses will also continue to be exempt.

The toll rates are revised periodically under the existing toll structure, with the concession agreement providing for revisions every three years. The toll system was introduced to recover the cost of infrastructure developed around Mumbai's entry points, including flyovers, bridges, subways and road overbridges.

MSRDC has also provided discounted advance toll coupons for commercial vehicle operators. Those purchasing 50 coupons will receive a 25 per cent discount, while those purchasing 100 coupons will get a 50 per cent discount. Discount journey smart cards will be issued at the toll plazas.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has opposed the toll hike, saying the increase would raise operating costs for transporters. AIMTC adviser and former president Bal Malik Singh said the additional expenses could lead transport operators to increase freight charges, with the higher costs potentially being passed on to consumers.

Singh also urged the Maharashtra government to extend toll exemptions available to smaller vehicles to heavy commercial vehicles. AIMTC has separately sought complete toll exemption for heavy commercial vehicles entering Mumbai.

The October 1 revision does not introduce any new toll for private car or SUV owners, as these vehicles continue to be exempt at all five Mumbai entry points. The increased rates apply to mini buses, LCVs, trucks, buses and heavy motor vehicles, with repeated trips potentially resulting in higher cumulative costs for commercial operators.