Will Electric Vehicles on Expressways Get Toll Waivers Soon?
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Key Takeaways
Nagpur, Dec 10 (NationPress) Electric vehicles traversing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, and the Atal Setu are set to benefit from a toll waiver within the coming eight days. The state government also plans to reimburse the toll fees already paid by EV owners on these routes since August 22, 2025, provided they present valid receipts as evidence of payment.
This matter was raised during the Question Hour in the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday, where lawmakers from both the ruling coalition and the Opposition highlighted the toll exemption provision under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicles Policy 2025.
They emphasized that the policy explicitly allows for a complete toll waiver for passenger EVs and electric buses on major expressways such as the Atal Setu and Samruddhi Mahamarg. Legislators argued that this exemption aims to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation by reducing operational expenses for individual users, commercial fleets, and public service providers.
Despite the existing policy and a government resolution, tolls were still being charged to EVs, leading to calls for immediate rectification.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar stated that the policy became effective from August 2025. “If even a single EV is being charged toll, then it is illegal,” he remarked.
He instructed the state government to establish a comprehensive enforcement mechanism within eight days.
The Speaker added, “The state is committed to promoting EVs and has assured the public of a toll waiver through its policy. No EV should incur toll charges in the next eight days, and arrangements must be made to refund the fees collected from EV owners.”
In response, Minister Dadaji Bhuse, representing Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, informed the Assembly that the state had officially launched the EV policy on May 23, 2025, with implementation commencing on August 22, 2025.
He explained that technical integration is crucial for the waiver's application. “To ensure the toll fee waiver, the FASTag of EVs must be registered with Vahan and included in the toll system for the waiver. Implementation started three months ago, although there have been instances of toll deductions. We are working to expedite and efficiently implement this process,” Bhuse assured.
The minister promised the Assembly that the state government would follow through on the directives issued by the Speaker.