In a significant move to promote electric vehicle adoption, the Maharashtra government has announced toll exemptions for EVs across the state. This initiative applies to major routes, including the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Samruddhi Mahamarg, effective from August 21st. The decision, guided by key state leaders, aims to incentivize the use of electric vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The toll exemption means that EV owners will no longer have to pay tolls at designated plazas. Previously, the toll for cars on the Atal Setu was set at Rs 250, scheduled to be in place until December 2025. This exemption is a direct benefit of the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, introduced in April 2025.
The EV policy already provided for toll exemptions for electric buses and private four-wheelers on major routes. Moreover, electric cars are eligible for a 50% concession on other national and state highways. The software to implement the toll waiver on the Atal Setu was ready and implemented on Friday, while the benefit will be available on the expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg within two days.
The exemption is specifically applicable to private and government-owned electric cars and buses, excluding electric goods vehicles. The government hopes that this step will accelerate the adoption of EVs in both the public and private sectors and contribute to a reduction in the dependency on traditional fuels.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles in the Indian market is evident. Mumbai alone has a registered fleet of 22,400 EVs, including light and small passenger vehicles, buses, and medium passenger vehicles. Around 60,000 vehicles use the Atal Setu daily, with a growing number of EVs among them, highlighting the growing popularity of EVs.