The Devendra Fadnavis government's toll-free Maharashtra dream will strain the state's finances, said Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar. The move will set a wrong precedent, he said.

"Fadnavis is taking all populist decisions. The one on toll has been taken to gain publicity, but it will have serious repercussions on the state's economy," said Pawar in Nashik.

Pawar said toll is charged all over the world. "To develop infrastructure and improve transport, private investors put their money and recover it through toll. By scrapping toll how will the government repair the roads across the state? Bad roads will cause several health problems to people. In fact, people won't hesitate to pay toll if good services are provided to them."

Traffic experts too have a similar take on the issue. "In Singapore, the government imposes heavy taxes if you are buying a car. In fact, they discourage you to buy vehicles as they want to promote public transport. Because of toll relief, many more people will start using vehicles daily on Mumbai roads," said and expert.

The expert said the government should refrain from taking such decisions. "Instead, it should promote public transport instead."

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has scrapped 12 toll nakas, and exempted private light motor vehicles from paying charges at 53 plazas across the state from June 1. The decision will put a financial burden of Rs300 crore a year on the government.