In a major step towards enhancing sustainable urban mobility, a senior transport official has formally proposed relocating the Dahisar Toll Naka to alleviate severe traffic bottlenecks at one of Mumbai’s most critical entry points. The official has advocated for moving the plaza approximately two kilometres north, an initiative designed to ease congestion, reduce vehicular emissions, and improve the daily commute for millions. This move, if approved, is being positioned as a key component of a larger strategy to create more eco-friendly and equitable urban spaces.
The current location of the Dahisar Toll Naka, situated on the border of Mumbai and Mira-Bhayander, has been a perennial source of commuter frustration and environmental concern. It serves as a chokepoint for the more than 1.5 million residents of Mira-Bhayander and thousands of other motorists entering Mumbai daily. Despite previous efforts by various authorities to streamline traffic flow, the problem has persisted, resulting in significant fuel wastage and unnecessary air pollution. The proposal highlights how the toll booth’s current placement within city limits is no longer practical for a rapidly expanding metropolitan region.
By shifting the plaza further up the highway, the proposal seeks to achieve a dual benefit. Firstly, it would substantially reduce the queuing of vehicles and subsequent traffic snarls that currently plague the region. A smoother flow of traffic would directly translate to lower fuel consumption and a noticeable drop in carbon emissions, contributing to the city’s zero net carbon goals. Secondly, and perhaps most critically from an equitable city standpoint, the move would allow local residents of Mira-Bhayander to travel toll-free within their own city limits, a benefit not currently afforded to them. This measure would provide significant financial relief to the local population and underscores a commitment to equitable urban planning.
The official, in a formal communication to the Deputy Chief Minister, stressed that a long-term solution is essential for this vital transit corridor. The proposal builds on past governmental efforts to dismantle unnecessary toll plazas and provide relief to commuters. It has been met with positive initial feedback from the deputy, who has pledged to convene a high-level meeting to deliberate on the matter. The potential relocation is viewed as a progressive step towards a more sustainable and commuter-centric transport model for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This move stands as a beacon for how targeted infrastructure changes can serve not only economic interests but also the broader well-being of the community, fostering a cleaner and more accessible urban environment for all.
