MUMBAI: The state govt on Thursday revised toll rate on Samruddhi Mahamarg even before its final 76-km segment between Bhiwandi and Igatpuri is scheduled to commence operations.
As per a published advertisement, MSRDC has increased the one-way toll for four-wheelers including SUVs from the existing Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,450 for the entire 701-km stretch of the corridor. The new rates will be effective from April 1, 2025 and will continue till March 31, 2028.
Meanwhile, activists have raised objections regarding the timing, noting that the initial 500-km stretch of Samruddhi from Nagpur to Shirdi, inaugurated in Dec 2022, has not yet completed three years of operation to warrant a toll increase.
It is noteworthy that while toll rates for all MSRDC or state govt-operated facilities undergo annual adjustments, the actual collection amounts are typically revised every three years.
Senior officials explained the draft toll structure for Samruddhi received govt approval in Dec 2021, anticipating the first stretch’s opening by April 2022. Despite the delayed inauguration in Dec 2022, the toll collection notification was issued prior to its initial opening, hence justifying the new rate, officials maintained.
Toll rates for commercial vehicles such as goods and passenger carrier trucks and buses, multi-axle carriers and public undertakings buses have also been revised as per the advertisement.
