Pratap Sarnaik Proposes Relocation of Dahisar Toll Naka to Ease Mumbai Traffic Woes

Mumbai: In a bid to address chronic traffic congestion at Mumbai’s northern entry point, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has formally proposed shifting the Dahisar Toll Naka nearly two kilometers ahead to a location near the Western Hotel. The move is aimed at reducing vehicular bottlenecks, cutting fuel wastage, and providing both environmental and commuter benefits.

Currently situated on the Mumbai–Mira-Bhayander border, the Dahisar Toll Naka has long been a pain point for more than 1.5 million Mira-Bhayander residents and thousands of daily commuters heading into Mumbai. Despite interventions by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Mumbai Police, Regional Transport Office (RTO), and Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), traffic snarls remain a persistent problem.

In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sarnaik emphasized that the toll plaza’s current position within city limits was impractical. He argued that relocating the booth in front of the Western Hotel would smoothen traffic, lower emissions, and allow local residents to travel toll-free within the city.

“When Eknath Shinde was Chief Minister, he scrapped several toll plazas and exempted smaller vehicles from tolls. We now request a similar intervention to solve the ongoing issues at Dahisar,” Sarnaik said.

The minister added that he had conducted on-ground inspections with concerned authorities but found no lasting fix implemented to date. He expressed optimism that the proposed shift would bring significant relief to one of Mumbai’s busiest transit corridors.

According to Sarnaik, Deputy CM Shinde has assured him that a high-level meeting will soon be convened to review the proposal. If approved, the relocation is expected to improve traffic flow, lower fuel consumption, and enhance commuting conditions between Mumbai and the rapidly growing Mira-Bhayander region.