In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a complete toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five key entry points to Mumbai. The move, which takes effect from 12 AM tonight, applies to the Dahisar, Mulund West (LBS Road), Vashi, Airoli, and Mulund East toll booths.

This decision, revealed during a Maharashtra Cabinet meeting, is being seen as a strategic populist measure aimed at easing travel during the festive season and attracting voters to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The scrapping of tolls at Mumbai’s entry points has been a long-standing demand from various political parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and factions of the Shiv Sena.

With elections on the horizon, this toll waiver is positioned to boost public favor for Shinde’s government, particularly as other political leaders, such as Aaditya Thackeray from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, had also advocated for toll exemptions. The toll-free decision reflects the government’s push to enhance its appeal among urban commuters and voters ahead of the crucial state elections next month.