Dahisar Toll Naka to be shifted near Versova bridge, relief for Mira-Bhayandar commuters

Dahisar Toll Naka is all set to be relocated two kilometres north of its current position, bringing long-awaited relief to residents and commuters from Mira-Bhayandar. The decision was approved by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also holds the portfolio of the Urban Development Department and oversees the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

Why the relocation matters

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway is one of the busiest routes in the state, connecting the country’s financial capital with Gujarat. Over the years, rising traffic volumes have turned the Dahisar Toll Naka into a chronic bottleneck, causing delays of up to an hour. The congestion has been particularly severe for Mira-Bhayandar residents, who often spend extra travel time even for short commutes into Mumbai.

Deputy CM Shinde’s directive will shift the toll plaza near the Versova bridge, outside Mira-Bhayandar’s municipal limits. According to officials, the relocation will significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce fuel wastage, and cut pollution levels caused by idling vehicles. The move is expected to be implemented before Diwali.

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Political push and public demand

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, whose assembly constituency includes parts of Mira-Bhayandar, has been at the forefront of this demand. He highlighted how residents face delays ranging between 30 minutes to an hour, urging the government to act swiftly. Sarnaik had earlier written to Shinde in August requesting the toll naka’s relocation to reduce mounting congestion.

Residents, too, have long pressed for the move. Mira-Bhayandar resident Vivek Surve told Bharat Details, “This will be a huge relief and save significant time. Sometimes I leave two hours early just to make sure I reach appointments in Mumbai on time.”

Approvals and next steps

Since the new toll plaza will be situated on a stretch under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the MSRDC has been instructed to forward a detailed proposal for clearance. The final approval must come from the Union Ministry of Road Transport in Delhi. Officials estimate that once sanctioned, the relocation can be completed within one to one-and-a-half months.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Deputy CM Shinde and attended by key stakeholders, including Dahisar MLA Prakash Surve, MSRDC Joint Managing Director Manoj Jindal, NHAI Director Suhas Chitnis, Vasai-Virar Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik, and IRB contractor Virendra Mhaiskar.

A step toward smoother travel

Currently, tolls for small vehicles at Mumbai’s five entry points, including Dahisar, have already been waived. However, the naka still witnesses massive pile-ups as cars and heavy vehicles queue together, even though only trucks and trailers are required to pay. Officials believe the new arrangement will streamline toll collection for heavy vehicles while providing Mira-Bhayandar residents toll-free and smoother access to Mumbai.

Transport Minister Sarnaik added that the relocation continues Shiv Sena’s earlier policy under Eknath Shinde, who had cancelled multiple toll plazas across the state to support common citizens.

The shifting of the Dahisar Toll Naka near the Versova bridge is being hailed as a timely intervention for Mira-Bhayandar’s 15 lakh residents and thousands of daily commuters. If all approvals are secured quickly, motorists can expect a congestion-free drive into Mumbai just ahead of Diwali, marking a significant milestone in easing urban travel pressure.