The debate around the Dahisar toll plaza intensified this week after authorities carried out a minor relocation of the facility, shifting it just 100 metres from its existing position. The move follows the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) rejection of an earlier proposal to move the toll point nearly 2km further down the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway. The decision has renewed concerns among residents and transport observers who argue that the adjustment will do little to ease congestion at Mumbai’s western entry point.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had sought permission to shift the toll plaza as part of an effort to address the long-standing traffic bottleneck experienced by commuters travelling from Mira-Bhayandar towards the city. Officials said the proposal was intended to reduce the impact of merging traffic, especially as several infrastructure works—including elevated metro construction—continue to narrow road space in the corridor. However, NHAI declined the request, stating that the proposal did not comply with existing toll fee regulations and that no new site had been clearly identified. In the absence of approval for a major relocation, MSRDC installed what it described as a temporary toll point slightly ahead of the original structure. Officials framed the decision as a stop-gap measure aimed at managing lane flow, but transport specialists said the change is too insignificant to address the structural causes of congestion. An official familiar with the traffic assessment noted that “relocating the booth by a short distance will not substantially alter traffic behaviour or reduce delays”, particularly during peak hours.
The toll plaza is among five key checkpoints at Mumbai’s entry points operated under a long-term agreement in exchange for the maintenance of several city flyovers. The contract, which was due to end in 2026, has recently been extended until 2029, ensuring continued toll collection for at least four more years. With the upcoming opening of the Mumbai Metro Line 9, experts warn that additional vehicular diversions in the area could worsen congestion if toll operations remain unchanged. Political reactions have grown sharper following the announcement of the minor shift. Representatives from multiple parties criticised the move as symbolic, arguing that it offers little relief to daily road users. Some functionaries described the decision as a “cosmetic adjustment” rather than a meaningful traffic management intervention. Analysts said the episode reflects a broader challenge in urban infrastructure planning, where overlapping jurisdictions and regulatory constraints often slow down solutions to congestion.
Urban mobility experts believe that long-term relief will require a more comprehensive redesign of the Dahisar entry point, supported by improved public transport connectivity and smarter traffic engineering. They added that effective management of toll infrastructure remains central to building sustainable, low-emission transport systems in fast-growing metropolitan regions.
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