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In a major step to promote eco-friendly travel and support the electric vehicle (EV) industry the Maharashtra government has announced that electric vehicles will no longer have to pay tolls on several major highways. This includes the Atal Setu Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Samruddhi Mahamarg. The policy came into effect on August 22 2025 Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed. Under this rule which falls under the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act of 1958 all types of electric vehicles — including cars SUVs and buses will get toll-free access on these routes. This also applies to electric buses operated by both the State Transport Undertaking (STU) and private operators. The move is aimed at making travel more affordable for EV owners and encouraging more people to shift to clean and sustainable transportation. EV charging stations every 25 kilometers To make highway travel easier for electric vehicles the state has decided to set up charging stations every 25 kilometers on major routes. Petrol pumps along busy highways such as the Samruddhi Mahamarg and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will be encouraged to install at least one EV charging point. Additionally State Transport (ST) bus stands and other public transport hubs will get fast-charging facilities to support electric buses and shared mobility vehicles. This move aims to make long-distance EV travel more convenient and encourage more people and businesses to switch to electric transportation. What did Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik say about the new toll-free policy Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the new toll-free policy shows Maharashtra’s strong commitment to green transport and clean energy. “By removing tolls for electric vehicles we are not only helping EV owners save money but also taking an important step toward cutting carbon emissions and creating a cleaner environment” he said at a press meet. This exemption covers major routes such as the Atal Setu connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Samruddhi Mahamarg linking Mumbai to Nagpur. Experts are calling this a major boost for Maharashtra’s EV ecosystem predicting a sharp rise in EV adoption. EV owners in Maharashtra exempted from paying motor vehicle registration fees Currently EV owners in Maharashtra don’t have to pay motor vehicle registration fees or tolls on certain expressways. Officials have confirmed that these benefits will continue and more highways and roads may be added to the list in the future. The government is also planning to provide financial support for setting up urban charging stations and is encouraging private companies to collaborate in building a stronger EV infrastructure across the state. HIGHLIGHTS No tolls for EVs on state and national highways including the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Samruddhi Mahamarg and Atal Setu. All electric vehicles i.e. cars SUVs and buses are eligible for toll-free access. The exemption also covers electric buses run by both State Transport Undertaking (STU) and private operators. Vehicles registered under the EV policy will also get exemptions from motor vehicle tax and registration renewal charges.