Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today announced a significant toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five toll booths providing entry into Mumbai. This decision, effective from midnight on Monday, aims to alleviate the financial burden on commuters as the state prepares for upcoming assembly polls.

During a state cabinet meeting in Mumbai, Shinde emphasized that the waiver addresses a long-standing public demand. "This waiver will continue even after the polls are concluded," he stated. Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse elaborated that light vehicles will now be exempt from tolls at the Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund booths, all of which were established in 2002 to help finance local flyover construction.

Previously, toll charges ranged from ₹45 to ₹75, and the booths handled approximately 3.5 lakh vehicles daily, including 2.80 lakh light vehicles. Bhuse noted that the waiver would save commuters significant time spent in queues.

Shiv Sena MP from Thane highlighted that this decision fulfills a "long pending" demand from residents. He expressed relief, stating that free movement will promote further development in surrounding areas.

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from the opposition, who suggest that the timing is politically motivated due to the approaching elections. Anand Dubey, spokesperson for the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, remarked, "You could have stopped the toll earlier but you did not do so," questioning the sincerity of the move.

As the state gears up for the elections, this toll waiver has sparked discussions about its implications for both commuters and political strategies.