EVs on expressways, Atal Setu to get toll waiver after Maha Speaker’s directive; refunds to follow
Nagpur, Dec 10 (LatestNewsX) – Within the next eight days, any electric vehicle that travels on the Mumbai‑Pune Expressway, the Nagpur‑Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway or the Atal Setu will be exempt from tolls. The state council also pledged to reimburse owners for any toll money already paid on these roads since 22 August 2025, on the condition that receipts can be provided.
The measure was raised during the Question Hour in the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday. Legislators from both sides of the house highlighted that the Maharashtra Electric Vehicles Policy 2025 clearly offers a full toll waiver for passenger EVs and electric buses on major arteries such as Atal Setu and the Samruddhi Mahamarg. They stressed that the exemption is intended to spur green transport by cutting operating costs for individuals, commercial fleets and public services.
Despite the policy and a government resolution, tolls were still being charged to EVs, so lawmakers called for an immediate fix. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar reminded that the policy has been in force since August 2025. “If even one EV is being charged, that is illegal,” he said, urging the state to implement a comprehensive enforcement system within eight days. He added, “The state has committed to free tolls for EVs. No EV should pay any toll in the next eight days, and the system must also refund money already taken from EV owners.”
Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Dadaji Bhuse explained that the policy was officially launched on 23 May 2025, with implementation kicking off on 22 August 2025. He noted that the waiver requires a technical linkage: EV FASTags must be registered with Vahan and incorporated into the toll collection system. Though the process began three months ago, a few toll deductions have still occurred, and the ministry is working to accelerate and finalize the integration. Bhuse promised that the Cabinet would comply with the Speaker’s directives.
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