Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The Maharashtra government has announced toll exemptions on Public Works Department (PWD) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) highways from September 5 to 19, 2024, to avoid traffic issues during the Ganpati festival. The move aims to make travel easier for devotees during this busy time. However, the process of getting this exemption has raised some concerns among travelers.
Toll Exemption Details
The toll exemption covers major highways, including entry points to Mumbai like Vashi, Airoli, Mulund, LBS, and Dahisar. However, it does not apply to certain routes like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, NH-48 (Mumbai-Bengaluru), NH-66 (Mumbai-Goa), and other PWD and MSRDC roads. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses will also get toll exemptions during this period.
Process for Motorists
To take advantage of this toll exemption, motorists need to download a self-declaration form from the Maharashtra government's website. This form must be filled out and then pasted on thick black paper. The black paper should be taped over the FasTag sticker on the vehicle to prevent the RFID reader from charging the toll. Motorists are also advised to place black paper behind the FasTag sticker as an extra precaution.
Despite these measures, some motorists may still be charged if the FasTag is read by mistake. If this happens, they can request a refund through their FasTag bank account, according to an official from the MSRDC.
Toll Exemptions for MSRTC Buses
MSRTC buses will be issued special toll exemption passes. These passes will include important details such as the vehicle number and the driver's name. Various departments, including the transport department, traffic police, and regional transport offices (RTO), will coordinate to make these passes available at police stations, traffic police checkpoints, and RTO offices. The passes will also be valid for return journeys, ensuring smooth travel during the Ganesh festival.
Traffic Control Measures in Mumbai
To manage traffic during the festival, several measures have been put in place by the Mumbai Traffic Police. These include traffic diversions, road closures, and no-parking zones across the city. The police advise travelers to plan their routes in advance and stay informed through local news or traffic apps to avoid delays.
Key Traffic Diversions
For north-to-south Mumbai traffic, vehicles can use the Dharmaveer Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road continuously from September 6 to September 18. Southbound traffic can take the Eastern Freeway, Atal Setu, CSMT, and the Coastal Road. Northbound vehicles should follow routes such as the Coastal Road, Princess Street, CSMT, and the Eastern Freeway.
Several roads in Colaba, Marine Drive, Kalbadevi, Pydhonie, and Tardeo have closures, and alternative routes are provided to ease congestion.
No-Parking Zones and Heavy Vehicle Restrictions
During the festival, certain roads are marked as no-parking zones to ensure smooth traffic flow. Heavy vehicles are restricted on key roads, and alternative routes have been suggested. Private buses and heavy vehicles must park in authorized areas, as street parking is not allowed. However, essential service vehicles, school buses, and government vehicles are exempt from these restrictions.
Coastal Road Open 24/7
The Mumbai Traffic Police have requested that the Coastal Road remain open 24 hours a day during the festival to manage the expected increase in traffic. Currently, the road is only open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the northern arm is closed on weekends. Civic officials have agreed to keep the Coastal Road open round the clock during the Ganpati festival, from September 7 to 17.
