Mumbai-Pune expressway toll to cost more

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced an 18 per cent increase in the toll on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Coming into effect today, the cost of travelling one-way will increase by Rs 30 to Rs 195 while the half-way trip to Lonavala or Khandala will now cost Rs 117, up from Rs 99.

The previous increase in toll rates had been in 2011 when they had jumped from Rs 140 one-way to Rs 165. The state government has also announced that the taking the expressway will cost 18 per cent more every year till 2030 so that investment costs can be recouped. The concession period set originally had stated that toll-taking should end by 2019 but inevitable delays led the government to extend the deadline.

Many were extremely unhappy with the news of increased prices including the political party MNS lead by Raj Thackeray who has allegedly led violent protests against the issue over the past two years.