Maharashtra Implements Mandatory Toll Exemptions for Electric Vehicles Within 8 Days

The Maharashtra government has been mandated to fully implement electric vehicle toll exemptions across major state highways within eight days, promoting green transportation initiatives. This directive comes after numerous EV owners reported continuing toll charges despite existing exemption policies.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar issued the order during Nagpur's assembly session, demanding immediate compliance and refunds for incorrectly collected tolls from electric vehicle owners. Narwekar characterized the ongoing collection as "illegal" following the policy's implementation, emphasizing that enforcement gaps must be addressed promptly.

Government officials confirmed the exemptions will apply to major routes including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Atal Setu. The state had previously launched the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, offering various incentives such as tax waivers, registration fee exemptions, and subsidies to encourage electric mobility adoption.

The issue stemmed from backend integration problems between FASTag systems and the VAHAN vehicle database, causing EVs to be incorrectly classified at toll plazas and resulting in unintended charges. Narwekar stated, "Electric vehicles must not be charged any tolls for the next eight days, and a proper mechanism should be created to refund any toll amounts already collected from their owners."

The directive aims to ensure toll operators update their systems to properly recognize all registered electric vehicles. Additionally, Speaker Narwekar urged the state to accelerate the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Noting the increasing EV adoption rate, he stressed the importance of expanding charging stations and upgrading existing facilities to support the growing number of electric motorists.

The government is expected to release revised operational guidelines shortly, including a process for handling refunds. Officials have assured that corrective measures are in progress and full compliance will be achieved within the specified timeframe.

This initiative is expected to provide financial benefits to thousands of EV owners while reinforcing Maharashtra's dedication to environmentally friendly transportation. The combination of seamless toll exemptions, expanding charging networks, and financial incentives is projected to significantly boost electric vehicle adoption throughout the state.