Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Monday that cars coming to Mumbai city will no longer pay tolls effective midnight. The decision comes ahead of the crucial assembly elections and is being hailed as a "historic" move to save time and reduce pollution. The exemption applies to cars and SUVs, to ease the burden on commuters, especially those travelling daily from Thane to Mumbai for work. Mr Shinde, who himself has long protested against toll charges, called the move a "masterstroke" for commuters.