The Maharashtra Government has been given a firm deadline to ensure 100 % toll‑exemption for electric vehicles (EVs) on major highways — after widespread reports that EV owners were continuing to be charged wrongly despite an official waiver. The directive comes from Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who branded the continued toll collection as “illegal” and ordered complete compliance within eight days.
Historic EV Toll Waiver: Policy at a Glance
- Under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, the state had announced 100 % toll waiver for passenger EV cars and electric buses on select major highways — starting 22 August 2025.
- The waiver applies to major corridors such as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur highway), and the Atal Setu Trans Harbour Link (Mumbai–Navi Mumbai sea link), among others.
- As per the policy, exemptions were extended to all categories of electric four‑wheelers (private and public) as well as EV buses operated by both state and private operators.
- The policy is part of a broader push to promote sustainable, clean‑energy transport, reduce vehicular emissions, and encourage EV adoption across Maharashtra.
Despite the clarity of the policy, multiple EV owners — including both private‑vehicle drivers and commercial transport operators — reported toll charges at booths along the covered routes. One such case was raised by a motorist on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, who was asked to pay toll even though the waiver was already in effect.
Assembly Speaker Intervenes: Enforcement, Refunds in Eight Days
During a heated session in the state Assembly, several legislators — from ruling and opposition benches alike — tabled evidence of wrongful toll deductions from EV users. The Speaker intervened and declared that any toll collection from EVs after August 22 is contrary to the state’s resolution and therefore “illegal.”
He directed the government to:
- Immediately activate a “full enforcement system” ensuring all toll plazas recognise and waive tolls for EVs.
- Institute a refund mechanism to reimburse EV owners who paid tolls since the policy took effect — provided they submit receipts as proof of payment.
In response, the government — represented by a minister — said the toll‑collection system still required technical integration. According to the minister, EVs must be properly registered (via FASTag linked with their registration) to qualify for the toll waiver, a setup that is being expedited.
Why This Matters: EV Adoption, Green Mobility, and Public Trust
The directive from the Assembly Speaker is more than a procedural adjustment — it sends a strong message about government accountability, policy credibility, and the state’s commitment to green mobility. The toll‑waiver forms a critical component of incentives under the EV policy, alongside subsidies, registration fee exemptions, and promised expansion of charging infrastructure.
For EV owners and prospective buyers, full enforcement of the waiver means significantly reduced travel costs — especially on long-distance travel corridors such as Mumbai–Pune or Mumbai–Nagpur — improving the cost-benefit equation of owning EVs. For public‑transport operators and fleet owners deploying electric buses, the savings could also translate into more competitive service or lower fares.
At a broader level, the success (or failure) of this enforcement will influence public trust in government‑backed EV incentives. If implemented swiftly — including refunds and technological integration — it could strengthen the case for EV adoption across the state.
Conclusion: Path Ahead for Maharashtra’s EV Ambitions
The eight‑day ultimatum issued by the Assembly Speaker marks a turning point in the journey of the Maharashtra EV Policy 2025. With toll‑waiver enforcement and refund mechanisms mandated, the government now has a narrow window to convert policy into action. If successful, this move could accelerate EV uptake, reinforce faith in state commitments, and boost momentum for clean mobility — not only on flagship expressways but potentially across all state highways in the near future.
For now, all eyes are on the government’s response — and on toll plazas, where the rubber meets the road.
