12.5% to 18.75% hike in toll at Mumbai’s 5 entry points from October 1 – Times of India

MUMBAI: From October 1, the toll rates at the five entry points of Mumbai are set to increase in the range of 12.50-18.75%.
The five entry points are at Dahisar, LBS Road–Mulund, Eastern Express Highway–Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge and Vashi. The last revision of toll rates was made in October 2020.
The hike, though calculated every year, is made effective every three years as per the government notification.
As a result, the single way toll for light motor vehicles or passenger cars will be dearer by Rs 5. For mini buses, the toll will be up by Rs 10 from the current Rs 65 to Rs 75.
Trucks and buses will have to shell out Rs 150, while multi-axle vehicles will be charged Rs 190, as per a state government notification.
The toll at these entry points of Mumbai has been levied since September 2002 and was extended in 2010. This charge will continue till October 2026 except at Vashi where the new bridge and widening works will extend the recovery period.
In September 2002, toll was introduced at Vashi, Mulund, LBS, Airoli and Dahisar, and it was extended in 2010 on the pretext of maintenance.
The collection contract will continue till September 2027 except at Vashi where the extension has been given to earn expenses on widening of the creek bridge and toll booth to 12 lanes from existing six lanes.
Mumbai Entry Point Toll Ltd (MEPL) is expected to generate a cash flow of over Rs 11,500 crore by 2027. MEP had paid Rs 2,100 crore upfront in 2010 to the state as part of the contract.
If one considers the bank loan interest, maintenance cost and other charges over these 17 years, Mumbaikars will have paid almost 10 times the initial cost of Rs 2,100 crore.
The toll levy will discontinue at Dahisar, LBS Road–Mulund, Eastern Express Highway–Mulund and Airoli Creek Bridge in september 2027 after a toll rise in 2026.