Congestion Tax Soon In South Mumbai? BJP Councillor Seeks Entry Fee For Private Vehicles

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 09:39 IST

Makarand Narvekar suggested that private vehicles entering identified high-traffic zones, especially those carrying a single occupant, should be charged a fee during peak hours

Mumbai’s never-ending traffic jams, especially in its busiest business districts, may soon face a bold policy response. Newly appointed BJP councillor Makarand Narvekar has proposed the introduction of a congestion tax in Mumbai’s Central Business Districts (CBDs) to reduce traffic pressure and improve air quality. He has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to include the proposal in its upcoming annual budget.

In a detailed letter to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Narvekar argued that unchecked private vehicle use has worsened congestion in high-density commercial areas, particularly in South Mumbai. He suggested that private vehicles entering identified high-traffic zones, especially those carrying only a single occupant, should be charged a congestion fee during peak hours.

Narvekar has called for a pilot project to be launched in South Mumbai, one of the city’s most crowded commercial belts. According to the proposal, vehicles entering notified CBD areas during peak hours—between 8am and 11am, and again from 5pm to 8pm—could be charged Rs 50 to Rs 100 per entry. The areas can be identified using existing CCTV surveillance and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras already installed across the city.

The councillor pointed out that global cities facing similar challenges have adopted congestion pricing with positive results. Cities such as London and Singapore have successfully used congestion charges to discourage unnecessary private vehicle usage, ease traffic flow, and promote public transport. Mumbai, he said, can adapt these models to suit local conditions.

Narvekar also proposed that the congestion fee be collected automatically through FASTag-based systems to avoid manual intervention and traffic bottlenecks at entry points. The revenue generated from the tax, estimated at Rs 200 to Rs 300 crore annually, could be used to fund air quality improvement measures and strengthen public transport infrastructure.

Referring to recommendations made in the recent Economic Survey, Narvekar said congestion pricing is increasingly being seen as a practical tool to tackle urban traffic and pollution. If implemented carefully, the policy could mark a shift in how Mumbai manages its growing mobility crisis—by nudging commuters away from private vehicles and towards more sustainable transport choices.

For millions of Mumbaikars who spend hours stuck in traffic every day, the proposal offers at least a starting point for change. Whether welcomed or resisted, a congestion charge would force a larger conversation on how the city uses its limited road space—and who ultimately pays the price for daily gridlock. The real test will lie in whether the policy can balance public interest with political will, while delivering visible relief on the ground.

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