Maharashtra: In a bid to accelerate the shift toward environmentally friendly transportation, the Maharashtra government is preparing to exempt electric vehicles (EVs) from toll charges on two major expressways — the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg.
As per reports, this initiative is part of the state’s upcoming electric vehicle policy aimed at increasing EV adoption to 25% of total vehicles in the state. The transport department has drafted the plan, which is expected to be implemented starting May 1, pending final clearance from the finance and other relevant departments. Sources from the state secretariat indicated that cabinet approval is anticipated shortly.
The move follows an earlier announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who declared the withdrawal of a proposed 6% motor vehicle tax on EVs priced above ₹30 lakh — another step to incentivise the purchase of electric vehicles.
As of January 1, 2025, electric vehicles account for just 6% of Maharashtra’s 4.88 crore registered vehicles, according to the state’s Economic Survey. This figure lags behind other states like Delhi (12%), Karnataka (9%), and Tamil Nadu (8%).
In parallel efforts to support green transport, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) recently confirmed that toll rates on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will remain unchanged until April 2030. However, tolls on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway are set to increase beginning April next year.
These initiatives collectively signal Maharashtra’s commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and reducing vehicular pollution through proactive policy reforms.
