Maharashtra Cabinet Extends Toll Recovery For MEP, Approves ₹775 Crore For Vashi Creek Bridge

The Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved compensation to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for toll exemptions granted to certain categories of vehicles at five key entry points into Mumbai. The toll operator company has been given a three-year extension to recover the losses it incurred due to the toll waiver.

Since October 14, 2024, light vehicles, school buses, and buses operated by the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation have been exempted from toll charges at five entry toll plazas: Vashi on the Sion–Panvel route, Mulund on LBS Road, Mulund on the Eastern Expressway, Airoli Bridge, and Dahisar on the Western Expressway. This decision was taken ahead of the State Assembly elections held in November.

As a result of the revenue shortfall caused by these exemptions, MEP Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., the toll operator, will be compensated as per the terms of its contract. The recommendation for this compensation was made by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary.

Originally, the toll collection period was scheduled from October 19, 2010, to November 18, 2026. However, the Cabinet has now extended this period until September 17, 2029. A condition has been set that real-time vehicle count data must be provided for the period from November 19, 2026, to September 17, 2029.

Additionally, MEP Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. will remain responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of 27 flyovers and related infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved monetary compensation to MSRDC in lieu of toll losses for the Vashi Creek Bridge project. Instead of direct compensation for the exemption at this toll point, the government will pay approximately ₹775.58 crore in phased cash installments, covering the estimated cost of constructing Vashi Creek Bridge No. 3.