The Maharashtra government has been directed to ensure full implementation of toll exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs) across all major highways in the state within the next eight days, marking a significant push toward green mobility. The directive comes amid growing complaints from EV owners who reported that toll charges were still being deducted despite an official state policy granting exemptions to electric vehicles.
Speaker Orders Immediate Enforcement of EV Toll Exemptions Across Key Maharashtra Highways
The order was issued by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar during the ongoing assembly session in Nagpur. He took a strong stance on the issue, stating that once the toll exemption policy came into force, any continued collection from EV users was “illegal.” Narwekar instructed authorities to immediately stop toll deductions from electric vehicles and put in place a proper mechanism to refund amounts already collected from affected users.
Responding to the directive, the state government assured compliance and confirmed that toll exemptions would apply to key infrastructure corridors such as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Atal Setu. These measures are aligned with the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, which aims to accelerate EV adoption through incentives including tax concessions, registration fee exemptions, and subsidies.
Technical Fixes and Charging Infrastructure Push to Support EV Adoption
Officials acknowledged that technical issues had delayed implementation. Gaps in backend integration between FASTag systems and the VAHAN vehicle database led to misclassification of electric vehicles at toll plazas, resulting in unintended toll deductions. Addressing this, Narwekar stressed that toll operators must update their systems promptly to ensure all registered EVs are correctly identified and exempted.
Beyond toll relief, the Speaker also urged the government to speed up the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the state. With the number of electric vehicles steadily increasing, he highlighted the need to add more charging stations and upgrade existing facilities to support motorists and reduce range anxiety.
Revised Guidelines to Ensure Compliance and Boost Maharashtra’s Green Mobility Drive
The state government is expected to issue revised operational guidelines soon, detailing the process for toll refunds and system corrections. Officials have indicated that corrective steps are already underway and full compliance will be achieved within the stipulated timeframe.
The move is expected to provide immediate financial relief to thousands of EV owners while reinforcing Maharashtra’s commitment to sustainable and cleaner transportation. Combined with toll exemptions, fiscal incentives, and improved charging infrastructure, the initiative is likely to further boost electric vehicle adoption across the state.
Summary:
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed full implementation of toll exemptions for electric vehicles within eight days, calling continued deductions illegal. The state will refund wrongly collected tolls, fix FASTag–VAHAN integration issues, expand charging infrastructure, and enforce exemptions on major highways, reinforcing Maharashtra’s push for green mobility and faster EV adoption.
