Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: In one of the most important and populist decisions in the run up to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly polls, the BJP-led Maha Yuti government has announced complete toll waiver for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at the entry and exit points of Mumbai.
The decision comes between Dussehra and Diwali celebrations and is a gift of sorts for Mumbaikars.
The order will be implemented from the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.
The decision was taken at a special Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and their ministerial colleagues.
As soon as the decision spread like wildfire, the workers of Maha Yuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP carried out celebrations at the toll nakas by bursting crackers and distributing sweets.
The decision applies to LMVs in the five toll nakas of Mumbai in Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund booths.
A Rs 45 toll was being levied by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
“This move will save commuters' time, and reduce pollution and traffic. This is a historic decision,” said Shinde.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, however, slammed the government for taking decisions without any planning.
“Decisions are being taken and there are no funds available,” said state Congress President Nana Patole.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said that the government is forcing Maharashtra to a mess. “Daily they are taking 100 decisions but how will they execute,” said Raut.