Cong MLA warns of stir if toll exemption denied

Congress MLA Nitesh Rane on Monday threatened to launch a stir in Maharashtra if the government fails to provide toll exemption to motorists visiting Konkan region via the MumbaiPune Expressway during the upcoming Ganesh festival.

Rane, who is the son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, had written a letter to the Maharashtra PWD Ministry seeking toll exemption nearly three weeks back, but his request did not elicit any response so far. “It has been almost three weeks since I wrote the letter to the state’s PWD Ministry seeking the toll exemption, but there has been no response yet. So this forces me to assume that the government is not going to provide the relief to the motorists,” Nitesh said in a press conference.

The Congress leader added that if the government failed to act on the demands, his party workers will start an agitation to seek justice for those living in Konkan region. “If our demand is not accepted, I will come out with my supporters at the toll plazas (on the Expressway) and oppose levying of the toll,” he warned.

He added that the recent bridge collapse in Mahad has worsened the condition of travellers who have to use the Expressway. “After the Mahad bridge collapse, motorists are forced to use the Expressway to reach Konkan and pay heavy toll. Why should the people suffer due to the inefficiencies of the government to maintain the Mumbai-Goa highway,” asked the MLA, who represents Kankawali constituency in Konkan Maharashtra.

During the 10-day festival, a large number of people mainly hailing from Konkan region visit their respective hometowns to celebrate Ganesh festival.