BJP Corporator Proposes Congestion Tax on Single-Occupancy Private Vehicles in Mumbai

Mumbai: To tackle traffic congestion and air pollution in Mumbai, BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, elected for the third time, has proposed the implementation of a congestion tax on private vehicles carrying only one passenger. Narwekar has suggested starting the initiative in South Mumbai and has formally written to the BMC Commissioner for consideration.

Citing global examples, Narwekar pointed out that cities like London, New York, and Singapore have successfully implemented congestion charges, which have helped reduce the number of vehicles on the road and encouraged greater use of public transport. He believes that a similar policy in Mumbai would control traffic volume and improve air quality.

Narwekar, one of the wealthiest corporators in the BMC and brother of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, suggested that a pilot scheme in South Mumbai’s busy central business district could charge ₹50–₹100 per entry during peak hours (8 AM–8 PM). He added that the policy could generate ₹200–300 crore annually, which could be reinvested in sustainable urban mobility and air quality improvement measures.

The proposal has yet to receive a response from Shiv Sena, BJP’s coalition partner in the BMC.