The Maharashtra state government has announced a 15-day toll exemption on major highways across the state, including those maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The toll-free period, which spans from September 5 to 19, applies to various key routes, particularly benefiting those travelling to celebrate the festival.
The initiative is being hailed as a goodwill gesture, although concerns have been raised regarding the somewhat cumbersome process for motorists to claim the exemption. According to a senior PWD official, those seeking toll-free passage must follow a specific procedure, which includes downloading a self-declaration form from the state government’s website. This form is then required to be printed on thick, black paper and affixed over the vehicle’s FasTag sticker. The purpose of this is to ensure the RFID reader on toll plazas does not detect the FasTag and automatically deduct toll charges. Additionally, motorists have been advised to tape black paper behind the FasTag sticker as a precautionary measure.
Despite these instructions, there remains the possibility that toll deductions could still occur. In such instances, motorists can file for a cashback request through their FasTag-linked bank account to reclaim the deducted amount, according to MSRDC officials. The exemption applies to all entry points in Mumbai, including Vashi, Airoli, Mulund, LBS, and Dahisar, except for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. National Highways 48 (Mumbai-Bengaluru) and 66 (Mumbai-Goa) are also included under the exemption. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether the Maharashtra Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) will be covered. In addition to private vehicles, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses will benefit from the toll-free directive. Special passes, including vehicle numbers and driver details, will be issued to these buses by the transport department, traffic police, and regional transport offices (RTOs). These passes will be available at police stations, traffic checkpoints, and RTO offices and will be valid for both outward and return journeys during the toll-free period.
Samruddhi Mahamarg, a major expressway in Maharashtra, will also implement the government resolution, ensuring that devotees travelling for Ganesh festival celebrations can enjoy hassle-free travel on key routes. The government’s gesture aims to mitigate traffic challenges and reduce the financial burden on festival-goers, particularly those travelling from remote areas.
