For the first time after the toll policy was implemented in the state, the NCP on Friday staged an agitation against Mumbai’s toll plazas.
For the first time after the toll policy was implemented in the state, the NCP on Friday staged an agitation against Mumbai’s toll plazas. The NCP wants all toll nakas at all Mumbai entry points to be scrapped. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Mumbai president Sachin Ahir also held a protest at Mulund toll naka and alleged that despite concession to light vehicles, the double tax has been collected from Mumbai points.
“The maximum tolls in the state have exempted toll fees from the light motor vehicles. However, all five toll points in Mumbai collect double tax from the vehicles, which is wrong. We condemn the discrimination and demand all toll plazas at Mumbai entry points be scrapped,” Mr Ahir said. The NCP leader had earlier demanded scrapping of toll plazas at Mumbai’s entry points after the government scrapped tolls in Kolhapur.
The NPC leader blamed the government for deceiving the people before the BMC polls by promising them toll plazas would be closed down. “The state government is promising to end tolls or give people a concession from them as the civic body polls are nearing. Shiv Sena and BJP are just luring the voters,” he said. Mr Ahir also warned the government of an agitation like the one in Kolhapur, if the toll booths are not closed. “We are going to conduct protest at all five toll booths in Mumbai,” he added.
The five toll posts in Mumbai are at Dahisar, Mulund, Airoli, LBS Marg and Vashi where the collection is done by government appointed contractors. The toll collection at the points has been opposed by the Mumbai citizens, as they travel from neighbouring Thane and Navi Mumbai areas which are considered as extended Mumbai. The government had earlier abolished toll tax at 65 points across the state, barring the five Mumbai entry points. The citizens have been demanding seamless travel in Mumbai by closing down the toll plazas.
