MSRDC hikes entry toll, but passenger cars spared

Facing flak for the sorry state of the city’s roads, the state government has decided to spare passenger vehicles from paying more toll to enter the city.

Facing flak for the sorry state of the city’s roads, the state government has decided to spare passenger vehicles from paying more toll to enter the city.

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The hike, which will affect light commercial vehicles, buses and heavy vehicles, comes into effect from Saturday.

The toll, charged by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is meant to go towards the maintenance of the city’s flyovers. Motorists have been questioning why they should pay toll when the state of the flyovers and roads is so dismal.

The decision not to increase the toll also comes in the backdrop of rising fuel prices and the upcoming civic elections.

As per the Bombay Motor Vehicles Act, the toll is reviewed every three years. It was last reviewed in 2008. “We have reviewed the toll for all segments, but the state decided that the toll for passenger cars will not be hiked,” a senior MSRDC official said.

The toll for car, jeeps, Tata Sumo and Commander vehicles remains unchanged at Rs30, but other vehicles have to pay between Rs 5 and Rs 15 more than earlier.