Toll Fee Hike: Major setback for many people. Three significant changes have come into effect for travelers in Mumbai starting October 1st. A 75-day traffic and power blockade has begun at CSMT, commercial vehicle tolls have increased by 20 percent at five entry points to the city, and an NCMC card has become mandatory for women and senior citizens purchasing concessional tickets on Maharashtra State Transport (MST) buses. If you travel by train, bus, or road in Mumbai, it’s important to know about these three changes.
Now you will have to pay more toll on entry into Mumbai
You’ll be paying more to enter Mumbai starting now. A 20% hike in toll charges has kicked in at five key entry points—Vashi, Mulund LBS Road, Mulund Eastern Express Highway, Airoli Bridge, and Dahisar—from October 1st onwards. The good news? Private cars, school buses, and state transport buses still get a free pass.
Here’s the breakdown of the new toll charges: minibuses and light commercial vehicles jumped from Rs 75 to Rs 90, buses and trucks went up from Rs 150 to Rs 180, and heavy vehicles climbed from Rs 190 to Rs 225.
75-day work block at CSMT, affecting 8 long-distance trains
CSMT is getting a major makeover! From October 1st through December 15th, there’s a 75-day traffic and power block in place for the redevelopment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. During this time, platforms 14 and 15 plus stabling line 15 will be under construction. As a result, eight long-distance trains that normally end at CSMT will be rerouted—seven will now terminate at Dadar, and one at Thane. If you’ve got a ticket to CSMT, you’ll need to sort out how you’ll get there from these new stops.
Who should keep an eye on this?
If you’re heading to Mumbai by long-distance train and your train typically arrives at CSMT, make sure you check where it’s actually stopping now before you travel. The Railways recommends that passengers review the updated schedule and plan accordingly.