31 March,2015 12:15 PM IST | | A Correspondent
From April 1, motorists using cars on the Sea Link will have to pay Rs 60 for a single journey. Those with minibuses and heavy vehicles will have to shell out Rs 95 and Rs 125 respectively
From April 1, Mumbaikars will have to shell out more to use the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) as toll rates will be increased as per the agreement.
Motorists using cars will have to pay Rs 60 for single journey and Rs 90 for return journey while those using minibus and heavy vehicles will have to pay Rs 95 and Rs 125 respectively for a one-way drive. Earlier, four-wheeler users had to pay one-way toll of Rs 55 and Rs 82.50 for a return journey. The monthly pass fare for four-wheelers has also been raised to Rs 3,000 from the earlier Rs 2,750.
The revised toll chart (Applicable: 01/04/2015)
Confirming the hike, a senior MSRDC official said," As per the government notification, toll rates will be increased from mid night of March 31."
Bandra-Worli Sea link. File pic
A government notification informing the same was also published in newspapers that stated, "As per the powers conferred under the Bombay Motor Vehicles Tax Act 1958 and other powers, the government of Maharashtra hereby declares that a toll shall be levied with a revised amount from April 1, 2015 which will continue till March 31, 2018."
The annual toll collection at Bandra-Worli Sea Link is between Rs 70-75 crore and, according to MSRDC sources, this is less than what was projected. When the Sea Link was thrown open, it was expected that more than 85,000 vehicles would use the route on a daily basis, but the number has been between 45,000-50,000.
This is for the second time since it's opening in July 2009 that the toll rates have been revised. The new toll rates will be applicable up to March 31, 2018. The previous toll hike took place in April 2012.
