The Opposition and Maharashtra government-led by Shiv Sena and BJP in the state have indulged in a spat over maintenance of roads during the monsoon.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) questioned where the money collected from the toll plaza goes if the roads are not maintained and why should citizens pay the toll if they do not get any benefits.
MNS President Raj Thackeray questioned BJP for not being able to fulfil their promise of toll-free Maharashtra. He said, “The BJP had made tall promises of toll-free Maharashtra before elections… Look at the conditions of our roads and highways. There are potholes, huge traffic jams. What right do they have to collect toll and road tax from people.”
He further slammed BJP and said, “Those at the helm are not concerned about people. It is a complete failure of the government.”
Talking about this exclusively with Mumbai Live, MNS Leader Nilesh Sawant said, “I completely agree with Raj sir. Why are they asking us to pay the toll? Because they want to maintain the road for commuters. But if the road is not being maintained and amenities are not being provided, then why should we pay the road tax?”
Speaking of the appeal to make the Highway toll-free until it is repaired fully, he said, “On the left of my residence there is Mulund Toll Naka and Airoli Toll Naka on the right. Now till the time we reach the toll booth for paying the toll, the road is smooth, but as we cross the toll naka after making the payment the condition of the road is worse. It is full of potholes. The condition is the same both ways while we travel.”
“There are several terms and conditions/ guidelines for tolls. If there is a lot of traffic or a vehicle breaks down under the yellow line of the toll booth, the vehicles should be allowed to travel for free. This is stated in the government resolution (GR). But the authorities working there do not follow this rule," he stated while mentioning toll plaza rules.
Speaking of the basic road amenities, he said, “On several roads, there is no washroom arrangement made for ladies.”
“We pay around INR 40 to INR 700 at toll booths depending on the vehicle and travel route. Thousands of people travel regularly and pay this amount on a regular basis to the government. Where does the maintenance money paid at the toll naka go? The conditions of the road have turned more pathetic as the monsoon has arrived, so what is a common man getting in exchange for paying the toll? People feel it is just a small amount and pay, but why do we pay if it is not benefitting us?” he further questioned.
Recently, the Opposition demanded the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to make the Mumbai-Nashik Highway toll-free until the road is in good condition again. Due to rains, potholes, and huge traffic commuters are facing a lot of difficulties in travelling.
When asked about whether similar toll-free access be made for others too, he exclaimed, “There is no issue in paying toll and road tax there. But on other routes, which are full of potholes, amenities provided are none, and the condition is worst, then they should not charge toll and road taxes on those routes. If the public is paying for road maintenance then they should get the road they deserve.”
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