KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maharashtra to waive toll charges on expressways like Mumbai-Pune and Samruddhi Mahamarg for all EV categories
- Implementation to begin in phases, part of Maharashtra's goal to make 25% of vehicles electric
What if your daily drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway came with zero toll charges? Sounds like a relief, right? Well, Maharashtra is about to make that reality for the electric vehicle owners out there. In a bold step towards promoting greener mobility, the state government is preparing to waive tolls on some busy highways or expressways like Mumbai-Pune and Samruddhi Mahamarg. But why? How will it benefit EV users? What more can we expect? In this, we've got you covered with the answers to all these questions. Before diving deeper, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
Read More: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Launch Likely By Sept 2025: New Updates In Sight!
Highways To Go Toll-Free for EVs
Electric vehicles registered in Maharashtra will no longer have to pay tolls while cruising through major expressways. However, it will be done in a phased manner. Initially, the Mumbai-Pune highway, one of the busiest and later the Samrudhi Mahamarg, a newly constructed expressway. Moreover, the toll exemptions will apply to all categories of EVs. This initiative is a part of the state's new EV policy, which aims to promote EVs by up to 25%. While the draft has been sent for approval to finance and other relevant departments, and is expected to be rolled out by May 1, 2025.
What does This Mean to the EV Owners?
The toll exemption will be a financial game-changer for both personal and commercial vehicles. For instance, a round trip on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway costs Rs 540 in toll for private vehicle owners. For a daily commuter, it adds up to Rs 1 lakh a year, which is a huge relief. Moreover, beyond the wallet, it is a clear initiative to push consumers towards EV adoption. This also comes with existing perks like registration fee waivers, tax rebates, and charging infrastructure upgrades, it's a win-win situation for consumers. Last month, the government announced a plan to impose a 6% motor vehicle tax on electric vehicles priced above Rs 30 lakh, which has now been withdrawn. This marks a significant move to boost the adoption of electric vehicles in the state.
Read More: Hyundai Venue N-Line Facelift Spotted For The First Time; Launch Soon?
Verdict
Maharashtras decision to offer toll-free travel for EVs isn't just a money-saver; it's a momentum builder for India's EV movement. From personal car owners to commercial fleet operators, this move lowers the cost barrier and pushes clean mobility into the mainstream. With more infrastructure, incentives, and now toll exemptions in place, EV ownership just became a lot more practical and a lot more attractive.
