In a bid to promote electric vehicle adoption, the Maharashtra government has declared toll exemptions for EVs across significant routes in the state. This decision, guided by state leadership, offers considerable relief to EV owners by eliminating toll charges at major toll plazas, with the Atal Setu leading the way.
Starting August 21st, electric vehicles will be exempt from tolls on the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Samruddhi Mahamarg. A formal notification has been issued by the state government to this effect. Previously, the toll for cars on the Atal Setu was Rs 250, scheduled to remain until December 2025. EV owners will no longer incur this cost.
This move is an extension of the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, introduced in April 2025. The policy already offered toll exemptions to electric buses and private four-wheelers on major routes, along with a 50% discount for electric cars on other national and state highways. The software enabling the toll waiver on the Atal Setu was completed and implemented on Friday, with the expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg following suit within the next two days.
The toll exemption is specifically applicable to private and government-owned electric cars and buses, excluding electric goods vehicles. The government anticipates that this initiative will foster the adoption of EVs in the public and private sectors, reducing dependence on traditional fuels.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles in the Indian market is reflected in Mumbai, which has 22,400 registered EVs, including a mix of light and small passenger vehicles, and buses. The Atal Setu sees about 60,000 vehicles daily, with a notable increase in EVs, showcasing the ongoing shift towards electric mobility.