Small Vehicles In Mumbai Will No Longer Pay Tolls As Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Dates Approach

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that light motor vehicles will no longer be required to pay tolls at the five major toll booths leading into Mumbai. This new rule will come into effect from tonight, bringing relief to many daily commuters. The five toll booths where the waiver applies are Dahisar, Mulund, Vashi, Airoli, and Tinhanth Naka.

The decision was taken during the final cabinet meeting of the Maharashtra government ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This move is expected to benefit thousands of residents who frequently travel to and from Mumbai using smaller vehicles, such as cars and two-wheelers.

Photo Credit: PTI

Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Dates

In related news, the Election Commission of India is expected to announce the dates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections next week. It is anticipated that the elections will be held in the second or third week of November. The commission is considering the festive season when planning the election schedule.

Festivals Impact Election Planning

Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in India, will be celebrated from 29 October to 3 November this year. Other festivals, such as Chhath and Dev Deepawali, are also being factored into the election timeline. Chhath holds special significance for many Bihari voters in Maharashtra, who may temporarily travel to their home state to celebrate. To ensure these voters have enough time to return to Maharashtra for polling, the Election Commission aims to set the election dates after the festival season.

Maharashtra Assembly Term

The current term of the Maharashtra Assembly is set to end on November 26. In the last Assembly elections in 2019, the state saw voting take place in a single phase. The Election Commission may decide to follow a similar approach this year, depending on the circumstances.