The Maharashtra government has announced a five-year toll exemption for electric vehicles (EVs) on key expressways, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, and Atal Setu.
This policy aims to encourage the adoption of EVs and reduce the state’s carbon footprint. The government resolution (GR) issued on Friday also outlines plans to extend toll exemptions to all state highways under the Public Works Department (PWD) jurisdiction. The decision to gradually provide toll exemptions on state highways will be taken by a steering committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. The amount waived as toll exemption will be reimbursed to PWD by the transport department through supplementary provisions. To support the growing number of electric vehicles, the GR emphasizes the strengthening of EV charging infrastructure across Maharashtra.
The plan includes setting up charging facilities for EVs at every 25 km interval on state and national highways through public-private partnerships. Each existing and new fuel station on state and national highways will have at least one EV charging facility. Additionally, each Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus station/depot will have at least one fast charging station. The policy also facilitates the demonstration of sustainable transport models between the cities of Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Nagpur. The Electric Vehicle Policy, 2025, encompasses a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, other heavy vehicles, agricultural tractors and harvesters, construction vehicles, ambulances, and solid waste transport vehicles. It also encourages the conversion of all civic vehicles, including dumper trucks, to electric. The state will provide subsidies for EVs to replace highly polluting heavy diesel vehicles, which contribute significantly to air pollution.
A senior official mentioned that Development Control rules will be changed to make it mandatory for all new housing societies/complexes to provide adequate infrastructure for EV charging, thereby encouraging adoption of EVs among residents. Existing housing societies will also receive incentives from power utilities to set up EV charging infrastructure. The EV charging infrastructure will be mandatory in commercial spaces and government offices. Coordination with civic corporations is underway to create dedicated spaces for solid waste management, specifically for the disposal of EV batteries. The new policy also sets ambitious targets for EV adoption: 30% of new vehicle registrations for all vehicles, 40% for two- and three-wheelers, 30% for cars/SUVs, 50% for aggregator cabs like Ola and Uber, and 15% for private buses in the coming years. By 2030, the state aims to reduce 325 tonnes of PM 2.5 emissions and 1 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Maharashtra.
This comprehensive approach not only promotes the adoption of electric vehicles but also aims to create a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable and eco-friendly transportation across the state. The government’s initiative is expected to pave the way for a cleaner and greener future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce urban pollution.
Also Read :Dwarka Expressway Underpass Faces Week-Long Closure for Urgent Repairs
