Essential Guide to Exempt Vehicles and Your Potential Savings

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, declared on Monday that vehicles arriving in Mumbai will no longer incur toll fees starting at midnight. This decision, which comes prior to the significant assembly elections, is being regarded as a “groundbreaking” initiative to conserve time and diminish pollution levels. The exemption is applicable to cars and SUVs, intended to alleviate the strain on travelers, particularly those commuting daily from Thane to Mumbai for employment. Mr. Shinde, a long-time opponent of toll fees, referred to this initiative as a “strategic move” for travelers.

Which tolls are exempt?

Travelers passing through the following five toll locations will henceforth be exempt from charges:

1. Dahisar
2. LBS Road-Mulund
3. Eastern Express Highway-Mulund
4. Airoli Creek Bridge
5. Vashi

This toll exemption is anticipated to deliver significant financial relief during the festive period and may also alleviate congestion at toll booths, particularly during peak hours.

How much can you save?

The toll exemption can result in considerable savings for regular commuters.

• Cars and SUVs (light motor vehicles): Previously charged Rs 45 at each toll, these daily travelers can now save Rs 225 weekly, totaling around Rs 11,700 annually.
• Other light motor vehicles (including small delivery vans, jeeps, taxis): With an earlier toll of Rs 75, commuters can now retain Rs 375 per week, or about Rs 19,500 yearly.

Eligible vehicles for exemption

The exemption encompasses nearly 2.8 lakh light motor vehicles, which consist of:

• Cars (hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs)
• Jeeps
• Vans
• Auto-rickshaws
• Taxis
• Small delivery vans and trucks

However, larger vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and other heavy freight carriers, will still be obligated to pay tolls, as they do not meet the exemption criteria.

As per officials, around 80 percent of the six lakh vehicles that pass through Mumbai’s toll booths daily are light motor vehicles. This toll exemption is expected to save substantial time and fuel for commuters while also mitigating traffic congestion and air pollution in the city.

The toll waiver for light motor vehicles is one of more than 150 resolutions undertaken by the Maharashtra government during recent cabinet meetings.