The central government had also introduced the FAME scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) to accelerate EV production and usage.
Mumbai: In a move to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs), the Maharashtra state government has announced full toll exemption for EVs traveling on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivadi-Nhava Sheva Atal Bridge. This decision is expected to benefit EV owners in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas.
The state government had earlier launched the Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021 to encourage EV adoption. The central government had also introduced the FAME scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) to accelerate EV production and usage.
Thanks to these initiatives, EV purchases in Pune had seen a significant rise, with the number of EVs crossing one lakh. However, a reduction in central government incentives in recent months caused a slowdown in EV purchases. To counter this, the state government has now decided to waive tolls on key highways under the Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021.
According to the recent government order, EVs traveling on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivadi-Nhava Sheva Atal Bridge will no longer be required to pay toll fees. The government highlighted that EV usage would help reduce fuel costs and contribute significantly to pollution control. This move will further lower travel expenses for EV owners. The transport department will coordinate with all relevant highway authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the toll exemption.
Currently, approximately six lakh EVs are registered across Maharashtra, with Pune alone having over 1.25 lakh EVs. A large number of EVs, including cars and buses, operate between Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Mumbai. The trend of purchasing EVs, both private and commercial, is steadily increasing in Pune.
, the Maharashtra state government has announced full toll exemption for EVs traveling on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivadi-Nhava Sheva Atal Bridge. This decision is expected to benefit EV owners in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas.){kind=link}