Nashik are advocating for significant toll fee reductions at the Ghoti plaza on the Mumbai-Agra highway and the newly operational Samruddhi Expressway. The Nashik division of the Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MACCIA) has formally addressed Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting the excessive charges and proposing an integrated toll collection system.
This plea for concessions underscores a broader concern for the economic viability of transport operations, impacting the cost of living and the competitiveness of local businesses, vital for fostering equitable and sustainable urban growth. Sanjay Sonawane, Vice President of MACCIA Nashik, under the guidance of President Lalit Gandhi, submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the industry’s concerns. He emphasised the transformative impact of the newly opened 76-kilometre Samruddhi Expressway section from Igatpuri to Amne in Thane, which has dramatically shortened the Nagpur-Mumbai travel duration to a mere eight hours. Sonawane also highlighted the expressway’s critical links to major ports like JNPT and the proposed Vadhwan port, which are poised to significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s economic and transport infrastructure, contributing to efficient logistics and reduced carbon footprints.
Despite these advancements, a key point of contention remains the Ghoti toll plaza. Sonawane pointed out Nashik’s rapid growth and the reduced Mumbai-Nashik travel time of three hours via the expressway. Currently, vehicles traversing the Ghoti toll plaza on the Mumbai-Agra highway are charged for the Ghoti-Vadpe section, with cars paying ₹140 and trucks exceeding ₹500. Adding to this financial burden, the Igatpuri-Amne section of the Samruddhi Expressway levies an additional ₹200 for cars and over ₹500 for trucks.
The core of the industrialists’ grievance lies in the short 3-4 kilometre stretch between the Ghoti toll naka and the Samruddhi Expressway. Motorists are compelled to pay a significant ₹140 for this minimal distance, which residents and transport operators find excessive and unjustified. Sonawane has strongly advocated for the implementation of an integrated toll collection system that would rationalise these charges. Specifically, he has proposed a substantial reduction of the Ghoti toll plaza fee to ₹25 and a corresponding decrease in the Samruddhi Expressway toll between Igatpuri and Thane.
Such a reduction would provide substantial financial relief to transport operators, particularly those engaged in the crucial Nashik-Mumbai corridor. The daily transportation of essential goods, especially vegetables, from Nashik to Mumbai, faces considerable financial pressure due to the current Ghoti toll charges. These costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, impacting the affordability of goods and potentially increasing the cost of living in urban centres. Lowering these operational costs would directly benefit the supply chain, fostering economic efficiency and affordability.
The MACCIA’s appeal highlights a critical aspect of infrastructure development: while new expressways enhance connectivity and reduce travel times, the ancillary costs, such as toll fees, must be calibrated to ensure economic viability for businesses and equitable access for commuters. An integrated and fair tolling policy is essential to maximise the benefits of improved infrastructure without disproportionately burdening specific regions or industries. This is particularly relevant for creating sustainable economic corridors that support urban development and regional growth.
Ultimately, addressing the concerns of Nashik’s industrialists regarding toll fees at the Ghoti plaza is not just about financial relief; it is about optimising the utility of new infrastructure, promoting fair commercial practices, and supporting the economic backbone of the region. A balanced approach to toll collection can significantly contribute to a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation network, which is vital for building future-ready cities in Maharashtra.
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