Despite attempts to ease congestion, the Dahisar toll plaza on Mumbai’s Western Express Highway (WEH) continues to cause severe traffic delays for daily commuters and intercity travellers. Recent lane shifts and exemptions for light vehicles have provided little relief, leaving motorists frustrated and extending journey times along this critical arterial route.
The state government had proposed relocating the toll further north near Hotel Fountain on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway. However, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) rejected the plan, citing minimum distance regulations between toll plazas. In response, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) implemented a staggered lane shift, moving some lanes ahead by roughly 100 metres. Despite this measure, congestion persists, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. Local residents report long queues stretching nearly a kilometre. “Even after the lane shifts and toll exemptions, a short stretch takes 30 minutes to cross,” said a daily commuter. Another motorist highlighted that ongoing construction of Metro Line 9 contributes to delays, compounding the bottleneck. Many residents have expressed concern that the current approach inadequately addresses pollution and commuter stress.
Officials from MSRDC acknowledge the challenges, stating that while staggered lane shifting was intended to reduce jams, the combination of Metro works and nearby traffic signals continues to impede smooth vehicle flow. “We are making every effort to manage traffic efficiently, but the current setup is a temporary measure,” said an official. The toll plaza had been partially waived for light vehicles, school buses, and state transport buses since October 2024, benefiting approximately 2.8 lakh owners daily. However, data shows that congestion remains a significant issue, indicating that toll exemptions alone cannot resolve the structural traffic problem.
Industry experts emphasise that comprehensive planning is needed. Permanent solutions could include relocating the entire toll plaza, upgrading highway infrastructure, or integrating intelligent traffic management systems. Such steps would not only improve commuter experience but also reduce carbon emissions associated with prolonged idling, aligning with sustainable urban mobility goals. As Mumbai’s traffic volumes grow, temporary measures like partial lane shifts or exemptions offer limited relief. Urban planners argue that coordinated long-term infrastructure projects, alongside public transport integration, are essential to ensure equitable, safe, and low-emission commuting for all road users.
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