Toll collections on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4) have witnessed a notable increase, even as public discontent over the deteriorating condition of these crucial roadways intensifies. In 2024, the toll revenue reached ₹1,352 million, marking a slight uptick from the ₹1,349 million collected in the previous year. However, this financial gain has done little to alleviate the frustrations of commuters who continue to grapple with poor road conditions.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have been vocal in their criticism, urging the state government to suspend toll collections until significant improvements are made. They argue that it is unjust to demand toll payments for roads that are increasingly unsafe and inadequately maintained. The situation has sparked widespread protests across the state, with both citizens and political groups demanding urgent action to address the infrastructure issues that plague these vital routes.
In stark contrast to the public dissatisfaction, a recent financial report revealed a substantial increase in toll revenue, raising questions about the allocation of funds and the priorities of those managing the toll booths. IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd and IRB Infrastructure Trust, the entities overseeing these toll operations, reported a remarkable 32% increase in toll revenue for the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. This trend continued into July 2024, with a 37% year-on-year increase in toll collections compared to July 2023. Specifically, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd recorded ₹499 crore in toll revenue in July 2024, up from ₹365 crore in the same period last year. As one of India’s leading private infrastructure developers, managing assets valued at approximately ₹80,000 crore across 12 states, IRB’s revenue growth is striking. However, it also underscores a growing disconnect between revenue generation and road maintenance.
The increase in toll collections has amplified public and political pressure on the authorities to ensure that these funds are used effectively to enhance road quality. The continuing debate and rising public discontent highlight the tension between the financial gains of infrastructure management and the satisfaction of road users. With toll revenues on an upward trajectory, the urgency for authorities to address road maintenance concerns has never been greater. As toll collections continue to rise, the focus is shifting to how these funds will be allocated and whether the concerns of the public will be addressed. The ongoing discontent and protests serve as a stark reminder that financial performance cannot be the sole measure of success in infrastructure management. Effective and timely improvements to road conditions are essential to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of commuters on these critical routes.
