Even as attempts are being made to bring the issue of toll exemption to the centre stage of state politics, the closure of toll plazas and exemptions to vehicles have come at a hefty price. The decision by the earlier state government to close 12 toll plazas and give exemption to vehicles at 53 toll plazas had cost the state a huge Rs 798.44 crore.

The information sought by activist Anil Galgali via a Right To Information (RTI) application revealed that in 2016, the state Public Works Department (PWD) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had to pay Rs 798.44 crore as compensation to toll plaza contractors following the decision on closure of toll plazas and exemption to vehicles.