01 October,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Under the revised rates, mini buses and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will be charged Rs 90 per trip, up from the existing Rs 75. File Pic/Satej Shinde
The toll charges for commercial vehicles entering and exiting Mumbai will increase from October 1, with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) revising rates across five entry points into the city. The hike has drawn opposition from transporters, who said the higher charges would add to their operating costs and could eventually increase freight rates and the prices paid by consumers.
Under the revised rates, mini buses and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will be charged Rs 90 per trip, up from the existing Rs 75. The toll for buses and trucks will increase to Rs 180 from Rs 150, while heavy motor vehicles will have to pay Rs 225 instead of Rs 190.
The revised charges will apply at five major entry points: Airoli, Mulund LBS, Mulund Eastern Expressway, Dahisar and Vashi.
There will be no toll for private cars and SUVs at Mumbai's entry points. Public transport buses, auto rickshaws and taxis will also continue to remain exempt from the toll.
Transporters have criticised the decision, arguing that the increase comes at a time when operators are already dealing with higher costs. They said the additional toll expense would have to be factored into freight rates, potentially affecting businesses and consumers.
"Any increase in toll charges will directly increase the operating cost of transporters. To recover this additional burden, transporters will have to increase freight charges, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers," said Bal Malkit Singh, adviser and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
Singh said transporters were already facing rising operating expenses and called on the Maharashtra government to consider extending the toll exemption available to small vehicles to heavy commercial vehicles.
According to MSRDC, commercial vehicle owners will have the option of purchasing toll coupons in advance to reduce their overall toll expenditure. Those purchasing 50 coupons will receive a 25 per cent discount, while buyers of 100 coupons will get a 50 per cent discount.
Discount journey smart cards will also be issued at the toll plazas for eligible commercial vehicle operators.
The revised system is expected to apply to commercial vehicles using the five designated entry points from October 1.
Singh also questioned the continued collection of toll from commercial vehicles, arguing that the cost of road construction had already been recovered by contractors.
He said there was no justification for placing an additional financial burden on transport operators through higher toll charges.
"An increase in toll charges will eventually affect the prices of essential commodities and put an additional financial burden on the people of Mumbai," Singh said.
The toll increase is therefore likely to add to the cost pressures faced by commercial vehicle operators travelling into and out of Mumbai. Transporters have maintained that any increase in their expenses could eventually be reflected in freight rates, while the MSRDC has announced the revised charges as part of its updated toll structure.
(With inputs from PTI)
