Mumbai: Commuters use 'fake' govt ID cards to evade toll on Bandra-Worli Sea Link

A ride on Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) has always proved heavy on commuters' pockets, especially if they need to pay a hefty sum of money as a toll on a daily basis.

However, a few Mumbaikars have found a way to get a free passage through the sea-link. While around 40,000 vehicles ply through the 5.6-km-long BWSL on daily basis, a few commuters are using fake ID cards claiming to be state government employees just to get an exemption from toll, claimed the private concessioner responsible for operating the toll plaza.

The toll operator, Mumbai Entry Points Limited (MEPL), along with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has approached the Bandra police station over the same.

Several state and Central government vehicles including those meant for VIP's such as MP, MLA, MLC, defence vehicles, police, ambulance, firefighters, governors of state, President and Vice-President along with Chief Minister and Prime Minister are exempted from paying the toll.

In a letter written by toll operator MEP to Bandra Police station and MSRDC, it has stated, "We would like to bring to kind notice that, few commuters are preparing fake identity cards of Government of Maharashtra and using this fake ID card while passing from toll plaza for exemption in user fee at Rajiv Gandhi Sea-link (Bandra-Worli Sea-link) toll plaza."

The letter further reads, "Our operation team caught the users with fake identity cards. We request you kindly take appropriate action in this regards on an urgent basis."

Currently, around 40,000 vehicles ply on BWSL daily that was made operational in 2009 after the expense of around Rs 1,600 crore. The BWSL is also the first Sea-Link that was constructed in India for which toll collection will be until the year 2052.

According to an MSRDC official, "ETC tags installed in vehicles owned by the state government and defence personnel allow them to pass the toll naka without any hassle."

"At times, several state government or Central government officials travelling in private vehicles produce their ID cards to pass the sea link without paying the toll. This way, a large number of commuters produce fake IDs claiming to be a government employee, just to evade toll," the official added.

When contacted, a police official from Bandra Police station said, "We will look into the letter received from MEP, and take appropriate action after investigation. Around two months ago, we had received a similar complaint from them in which investigation is currently going on.

GIVING A SLIP

Cops said they are acting on complaints by MEPL

• Rs 70 Toll fee for Bandra-Worli Sea-link (cars)
   
• 40,000 Number of vehicles plying through the sea link everyday
   
• 2052 Year till which the toll will be levied on the sea link

Exemption - Selected State, Central government officials, are exempted from paying toll

Evading toll - Commuters flash fake ID cards, claiming to be state government employee

DODGING TOLL

• ETC tags installed in vehicles owned by the state government and defence personnel allow them to pass the toll naka without paying toll 
   
• At times, state government officials travelling in private vehicles produce their ID cards to pass sea link without paying toll
   
• This way, a large number of commuters produce fake IDs claiming to be a government employee, just to evade toll