Sachin Tendulkar writes to Fadnavis on toll problems in Mumbai, CM assures action

Responding to Rajya Sabha MP and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s request for attention to the hassles faced by motorists at the toll collection centres on the periphery of Mumbai, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the process of taking corrective measures has been initiated.

Responding to Rajya Sabha MP and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s request for attention to the hassles faced by motorists at the toll collection centres on the periphery of Mumbai, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the process of taking corrective measures has been initiated.

“Kindly reconsider the mode of operations [at the nine toll collection points on the city’s periphery] to reduce physical and mental toll on citizens. I am deeply concerned over the present state of the affairs about the operation of toll gates around the city in Mumbai,” Tendulkar has stated, in a letter addressed to Fadnavis on February 20.

Tendulkar has also requested the chief minister to relook at the number of toll plazas, instead of adding new to the existing list. “These toll plazas have become major road blocks, resulting in traffic snarls, burning precious fuel and adding to the pollution levels,” the letter states.

“We have already begun the process of working on the issue to give respite to the motorists. We are committed to make the state toll-free, but the flawed contracts signed by the previous government are acting as hindrance. We will make a provision in the state budget, which will be presented next week,” Fadnavis said.

State public works minister Chandrakant Patil said the government has set up a committee to look into the issue.

Stating that Maharashtra is lagging behind in the use of technology for toll collection, the cricketer has suggested steps such as the use of radio frequency identification technology. He has also pointed out that despite collection of toll by private contractors, the condition of the roads leading to Vashi and Airoli hasn’t improved.

He has requested the CM to ensure a dedicated lane at toll collection points for ambulances. “The movement of ambulances is an issue in the city,” he said.