From August 22, 2025, Maharashtra has implemented a complete toll exemption policy for electric vehicles (EVs) on key highways such as the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Samruddhi Mahamarg. This exemption covers all categories of electric four-wheelers and buses, including vehicles operated by State Transport Undertakings and private players.
The move, announced under the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, 1958, aims to make road travel more cost-effective for EV users and serve as a catalyst for wider electric mobility adoption across the state.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasised that this initiative reflects the guidance and vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, aligning with Maharashtra’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting clean transport solutions.
Broader Incentives and Infrastructure Support
The toll waiver is part of Maharashtra’s new Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, a comprehensive plan featuring incentives such as subsidies up to ₹1.5 lakh for electric car buyers and significant benefits for commercial EVs like e-buses. The policy mandates the installation of EV charging stations every 25 km on state and national highways to tackle ‘range anxiety’ among EV users.
Additionally, fast chargers will be set up at fuel stations through partnerships with oil marketing companies, and public transport hubs like Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus stations will be equipped with EV charging facilities.
These steps collectively aim to create an EV-friendly ecosystem by integrating incentives with robust infrastructure development, accelerating the shift towards zero-emission vehicles.
Context and Impact on Maharashtra’s Sustainable Transport Vision
This policy fits within Maharashtra’s wider sustainability goals, which include several urban transport initiatives such as metro expansions in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. Maharashtra remains the second-largest EV market in India, accounting for over 12% of nationwide EV sales in FY2025.
The toll exemption on critical long-distance corridors like the Samruddhi Mahamarg, which stretches 701 km from Mumbai to Nagpur, is strategically designed to promote EV adoption in tier-II cities where uptake has been slower. Budgetary provisions will compensate toll operators for their losses, ensuring smooth implementation without financial disruptions.
The government presents these highways as showcases for clean transport connectivity, exemplifying a forward-looking model for sustainable development.
Charging Infrastructure Expansion: Tackling Range Anxiety and Accessibility
A key pillar of Maharashtra’s EV push is the ambitious development of charging infrastructure aimed at eliminating barriers to adoption such as ‘range anxiety.’ The EV Policy 2025 mandates the installation of fast and slow charging stations every 25 kilometres along state and national highways, ensuring coverage even in less populated regions.
Additionally, the policy requires all new residential and commercial building projects to include EV-ready parking spaces, with 50% of commercial parking spaces reserved for EV charging in new developments. Existing commercial properties must retrofit at least 20% of their parking for charging. Government offices are also directed to install EV charging points in parking areas.
By fostering a comprehensive charging ecosystem, Maharashtra aims to facilitate convenient, reliable access to power for EV users anywhere in the state, significantly enhancing the practical usability of electric vehicles
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian salutes Maharashtra’s strategic blend of financial incentives and infrastructure boost to empower EV users and reduce the transport sector’s environmental footprint.
By eliminating toll costs on busy highways and facilitating access to charging solutions, the state is taking meaningful steps to promote social equity and environmental stewardship. This initiative provides a replicable framework for other states and the central government aiming to meet India’s ambitious climate commitments.
🗓 ३ सप्टेंबर २०२५ | 📍मुंबई
— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) September 3, 2025
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