End To Traffic Chaos As AI-Powered Toll Collection To Soon Replace Dahisar Booth

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 09:15 IST

The decision aims to tackle the long-standing issue of traffic jams at Dahisar, which frequently disrupt ambulance services, school buses, and essential transport

Officials believe the proposed system, once implemented, will not only improve travel time but also contribute to reducing vehicular emissions in one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors. (PTI)

In a bid to ease traffic congestion and cut down air pollution at Mumbai’s northern entry point, Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed officials to prepare a proposal for an AI-based toll collection system to replace the existing Dahisar toll plaza.

The decision aims to tackle the long-standing issue of traffic jams at Dahisar, which frequently disrupt ambulance services, school buses, and essential transport. “Thousands of vehicles are stuck daily, wasting time and fuel while adding to pollution levels. This situation must change," said Sarnaik during a review meeting.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Mumbai Police, the National Highways Authority of India, the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation, and infrastructure firm MEP. Participants included Assistant Commissioner of Police Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner Datta Shinde, Project Director Suhas Chitnis, and MEP Managing Director Jayant Mhaiskar, among others.

Sarnaik noted that although a decision to shift the toll plaza was taken earlier under the leadership of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, local residents opposed the move. Considering their concerns, the minister suggested adopting artificial intelligence to modernise toll operations instead of relocation.

Under the proposed AI system, vehicles will pass through the toll zone without stopping. Cameras equipped with AI would scan number plates and automatically deduct the toll amount from linked accounts. “This will eliminate long queues and make toll collection faster, transparent, and efficient," Sarnaik said.

He further suggested integrating payments for two toll points at one location to simplify the process and ensure smoother traffic flow.

Apart from toll modernisation, Sarnaik also instructed officials to expedite the ongoing road widening works from Delhi Darbar Hotel to Dahisar Toll and improve traffic movement near Penkar Phata junction.

Officials believe the proposed system, once implemented, will not only improve travel time but also contribute to reducing vehicular emissions in one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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