During a joint press conference held on Friday morning, PWD Minister Dadaji D. Bhuse, along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing transparency and implementing reforms in toll collection, which will be rolled out in the near future.
A delegation from the MNS, led by Thackeray, had previously met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday. Building on the discussions from that meeting, PWD Minister Bhuse visited the residence of the MNS Chief. Following an extensive conversation, both leaders jointly addressed the media.
Thackeray made a significant announcement, stating, “Within the next two weeks, we will install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at all toll booths at the five Mumbai Entry Points (MEPs). Additionally, we will establish a control room at Mantralaya to oversee these cameras. Digital displays will be put in place to show the toll amounts collected by the contractors as per the tender, as well as the remaining balance. This will ensure complete transparency for the public regarding the financial aspects of each toll booth.”
Furthermore, the government is committed to ensuring that no vehicle is required to stop for more than four minutes at toll booths. Vehicles situated beyond the ‘yellow line’ indicating traffic congestion will be allowed to pass without having to pay the road toll tax. The MNS will also undertake the construction and management of public facilities near specific toll booths.
Bhuse addressed a video featuring DCM Devendra Fadnavis regarding toll exemptions, clarifying that four-wheeled vehicles have already been exempted at 53 toll booths in the state, with the state government having provided compensation to the relevant companies.
The MNS had previously called for the closure of 29 old toll booths under the PWD Department and 15 under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Bhuse indicated that the government would evaluate and make a decision on this matter in due course.
In response to Thackeray’s warning of ‘burning the toll booths’ if small/light vehicles were compelled to pay road toll tax, the MNS had organized significant protests at various toll booths in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Nashik, and other locations, causing concern within the government.
The government’s assurances encompass various measures:
Installation of cameras at toll plazas to count the number of vehicles passing through the toll gates over the next 15 days. The MNS will also install similar cameras.
Ensuring that all contract-specified amenities, such as restrooms, first aid services, ambulances, and emergency lights, are available at all toll plazas.
Establishment of a system at Mantralaya for receiving complaints, with a dedicated mobile number for registering toll plaza grievances.
Conducting structural audits by IIT for all bridges and underpasses specified in the contracts.
Decision on reversing toll fee hikes in Thane within a month.
Restoration of the yellow line at all toll gates, allowing vehicles outside the yellow line to pass without toll charges.
No double charging in the case of an inoperative Fastag, with the option to file a complaint in case of a double charge notification on mobile.
Implementation of the rule to cease toll collection on defaced roads under the central government within 15 days, following consultations with central authorities.
Conducting a CAG audit for toll collection at Mumbai Entry Points (MEP), Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link.
Enforcement of discipline among heavy vehicles within the next 15 days.