Maharashtra Charges Ahead: Electric Vehicles Get Toll-Free Access on Major Highways

Ajjay Bhagyakar
Sep 6
3 min read

Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar

Source: Economic Times

A Green Revolution on Roads

Starting August 22, 2025, Maharashtra has rolled out a bold new initiative: all electric four-wheelers and electric buses will travel toll-free on three of the state’s most vital routes—Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link), Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Samruddhi (Mumbai–Nagpur) Expressway. As part of the revamped EV Policy 2025, this move is poised to accelerate EV adoption and reshape the state’s transport landscape.The Times of India+1

The What and Why Behind the Policy

What’s Covered: Toll exemptions apply to private electric cars and electric buses operated by both state transport undertakings and private entities across the designated corridors.The Tribune The Times of India+1
Why It Matters: This action sends a strong signal to drivers, indicating that EV usage will be rewarded—not penalized. It’s a timely encouragement as Maharashtra seeks to boost clean mobility and reduce emissions.The Times of India+1
Budgetary Support: To compensate toll operators, the state’s transport department will cover the fees through budget allocations—ensuring infrastructure maintenance without cost burden on EVs.The Times of India

Immediate & Upfront Benefits

Cost Savings for the Masses: Daily commuters, especially those using electric buses over these routes, will see significant savings—especially with frequent travel.
Environmental Wins: With thousands of EVs joining the roads, toll-free incentives reinforce sustainable decision-making and help curb carbon emissions.The Times of India
Highway Boost: These corridors, especially the striking sea bridge of Atal Setu and the high-speed Samruddhi corridor, now become models for clean, efficient transit.

Charging Infrastructure: The Missing Puzzle Piece

The state is not stopping at toll waivers. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is planning to ramp up EV charging infrastructure:

An additional eight charging stations will be installed along the 94.5 km Mumbai–Pune Expressway.The Times of India
These will supplement existing stations and address the infrastructure gap; currently, Maharashtra has 558,543 registered EVs, but uptake trails expectations.The Times of India

A Long-Term, Holistic Vision

Multi-modal ExpansionThe EV toll exemption is part of a broader plan: a full 5-year toll waiver across Maharashtra’s expressways, extending soon to state highways.The Times of India
EV Policy at WorkThe 2025 EV Policy encompasses vehicle incentives, urban charging mandates, and road access strategies, aiming for 30% EV penetration by 2030.The Times of India
Economic & Environmental Feedback LoopToll waivers combined with enhanced charging infrastructure and green incentives create a potent ecosystem that benefits businesses, commuters, and the planet.

Voices from the Road

Some EV owners are optimistic, while others remain cautious:

“The decision is a game-changer, but only if it's implemented consistently.” — News reports warn that toll booths still charged some EVs due to lack of proper notification or delays.Free Press Journal

“It’s encouraging to see infrastructure scaled up along expressways, but rural areas still lack reliable charging. MAHARASHTRA should ensure every fuel station has a working charger.” — Commuters emphasize the ground reality.The Times of India

Road Ahead: What Needs to Happen

Challenge	What Needs to Improve
Implementation Gaps	Clearer communication to toll operators and enforcement to prevent wrongful charges.
Charging Access	Expand and maintain stations across highways, suburbs, and rural fuel pumps.
Policy Follow-Through	Ensure full rollout of statewide exemptions and continued infrastructure plans.

With these in place, this initiative could become a landmark step in India’s transition to sustainable urban mobility.

In Closing: Maharashtra Drives the Future

Maharashtra’s toll waiver for EVs on its major expressways underlines a simple truth: When policy, infrastructure, and incentive align, green mobility thrives.

From reducing travel costs to boosting confidence among EV buyers, this policy not only aligns with global climate action—but also reflects smart governance. As the state scales charging access and bridges policy-to-practice gaps, it's positioning itself as a trailblazer in sustainable transport.

Here’s hoping that this spark of green policy ignites a nationwide movement toward cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive mobility. Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar