The newly inaugurated bridge, designed to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity, is currently falling short of its projected daily traffic target of 70,000 vehicles. Despite high expectations, the bridge is underutilized, prompting concerns about whether it is accessible to all sections of society. With most of the traffic comprising heavy commercial vehicles and a smaller proportion of private cars, the bridge seems to cater primarily to the affluent and businesses rather than the general public.
Jeetendra Ghadge, founder of The Young Whistleblower Foundation, has voiced concerns regarding the current toll structure, which he believes is discouraging regular citizens from using the bridge. “To fully realize the bridge’s potential, the government should reduce toll charges by 40% for private cars and eliminate tolls for taxis and private cab services,” Ghadge stated. He argued that the existing toll fees place a financial burden on everyday commuters, particularly those relying on taxis and cab services for transportation. “Without these changes, the bridge will primarily serve the wealthy and heavy commercial vehicles, leaving ordinary citizens unable to take advantage of it,” Ghadge added.
Experts have echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that high toll rates are a deterrent for many middle-class commuters, especially when alternative, less expensive routes are available. Reducing the toll for private cars and exempting taxis and private cabs from fees could encourage more daily commuters to use the bridge, ultimately leading to an increase in traffic and helping the bridge meet its daily target.
The push for a revised toll policy is also seen as a step toward equitable infrastructure development. If implemented, these changes would not only increase the bridge’s usage but also ensure that all segments of society can benefit from this crucial public investment, rather than it being reserved for a select few.