Somatane Phata Toll Plaza Under Review Amid Growing Discontent
The Somatane Phata toll plaza on the old Pune-Mumbai highway has sparked a storm of protests as local residents and activists demand its closure. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s office has instructed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to review the toll plaza’s operations. The directive follows complaints of regulatory violations, environmental concerns, and civic issues that have plagued the region for years.
Arun Mane, a former corporator and RTI activist, has been at the forefront of the campaign, citing breaches in toll regulations. Mane’s key argument revolves around a 2008 notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which mandates a 60-kilometre distance between toll plazas. Somatane Phata toll plaza, however, sits merely 32 kilometres from Varsoli toll plaza, violating these rules. Additionally, the plaza’s proximity—just two kilometres from the Talegaon Dabhade municipal limits—contravenes guidelines that prohibit toll collection within a 10-kilometre radius of municipal boundaries. These irregularities, coupled with a declaration by a former tehsildar deeming the toll plaza unauthorised, have intensified calls for immediate action.
Civic Woes and Traffic Chaos
For residents of Talegaon and nearby villages, the toll plaza is more than an inconvenience—it’s a daily ordeal. Traffic congestion caused by the toll point has left commuters, including emergency vehicles, stuck for hours. “Ambulances, school buses, and private vehicles face delays, and the situation has become unbearable,” said a Talegaon resident. Over the past three years, protests and petitions have failed to bring about meaningful change, leaving residents frustrated. The absence of service roads for nearby villages has further exacerbated mobility issues, adding to the mounting civic challenges.
Despite the growing dissatisfaction, MSRDC officials cite contractual obligations as a hurdle to immediate resolution. The toll collection agreement with the concessionaire, signed in 2006, extends until 2030. While the distance rule came into effect after the contract was finalised, residents argue that the government should prioritise public welfare over legal technicalities. Maval MLA Sunil Shelke has raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, urging swift action to address the legitimate grievances of local communities.
Sustainability in the Spotlight
Beyond traffic woes, sustainability concerns loom large over the Somatane Phata toll plaza. Prolonged traffic congestion contributes to higher carbon emissions, worsening air quality in the region. The lack of adequate service roads not only hampers connectivity but also increases fuel consumption as vehicles are forced to navigate longer, inefficient routes. Activists argue that the toll plaza’s continued operation contradicts the state’s broader sustainability goals. A Talegaon resident highlighted the need for greener infrastructure: “Closing the toll plaza would reduce congestion, cut emissions, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.”
Future Steps and Broader Implications
The MSRDC has assured a thorough review of the situation, as directed by the Deputy Chief Minister. While officials acknowledge the challenges, they stress the complexities of altering a long-standing agreement. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for addressing similar civic and sustainability concerns at other toll points across Maharashtra. For now, residents and activists remain steadfast in their demand for immediate closure, holding out hope for a resolution that prioritises public welfare and sustainable urban development.
