If You Drive This Type Of Car, You Don't Have To Pay Toll On The Expressway: Details
Imagine cruising down the Mumbai–Pune Expressway with the wind in your hair - and your wallet untouched. For many, that sounds like a fantasy. But with Maharashtra’s new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025, this could soon be your reality - if you drive the right kind of car.
A Big Shift for EV Owners
In April 2025, the Maharashtra government rolled out an updated electric vehicle policy aimed at making EVs a more attractive option for car buyers. One of the biggest changes? Electric four-wheelers and buses registered in the state will no longer have to pay tolls on three of Maharashtra’s busiest expressways - the Mumbai–Pune Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivdi–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, and the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg. If you regularly drive on these routes, the savings could quickly add up.
Why This Policy Matters
The move is part of Maharashtra’s larger vision to promote clean mobility and reduce its carbon footprint. By waiving tolls for electric vehicles, the government hopes to nudge more drivers away from petrol and diesel cars. But the toll exemption is just one of several incentives.
The policy also includes discounts on new EV purchases, waivers on motor vehicle tax and registration fees, and plans to install charging stations every 25 kilometres along major highways. Subsidies for both buyers and manufacturers and easier loan access for EV purchases are also on the agenda.
All these efforts are backed by an allocation of nearly ₹2,000 crore, signalling the state’s serious commitment to building a future-ready EV ecosystem.
Who’s Eligible for the Toll Waiver?
The benefit is limited to fully electric four-wheelers - such as private cars like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400, and BYD Atto 3 - and electric buses. Petrol, diesel, CNG and hybrid cars, even those with better mileage or cleaner emissions, do not qualify under the toll-free scheme.
For other state and national highways maintained by the Public Works Department, these electric vehicles are eligible for a 50% discount on tolls. While not as dramatic as a full waiver, it still offers meaningful savings, especially over longer journeys.
What About Two and Three Wheelers?
Electric scooters, bikes, and rickshaws are also being promoted under the policy, but the toll waiver doesn’t extend to them yet. However, they continue to enjoy benefits such as tax exemptions, simplified registration, and purchase subsidies - making them appealing for city dwellers looking for affordable, eco-friendly mobility.
Things to Keep in Mind
The toll waiver is applicable only to fully electric four-wheelers and buses registered in Maharashtra during the current policy period, which runs until 31 March 2030. Plug-in hybrids or vehicles running on alternative fuels are not eligible. The waiver is limited to the three designated expressways; on other roads, a 50% discount applies instead.
Is Now the Right Time to Switch to an EV?
For many, yes. If you frequently drive on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway or the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the toll savings alone may make a compelling case. Factor in lower fuel costs, minimal maintenance, and upfront discounts, and the economics of EV ownership start to look very promising. The growing network of charging stations also means range anxiety - a major concern in earlier years - is steadily fading.
More importantly, this shift isn't just about saving money. It's about contributing to cleaner air, quieter roads, and a more sustainable future. As more people take the plunge, electric vehicles could become the new normal on Indian highways.
Looking Ahead: A Smoother Ride for All
With this policy, Maharashtra is laying the groundwork for a greener, more cost-efficient future. And other states may soon follow. So if you're in the market for a new car, and the idea of skipping toll queues and fuel pumps sounds good, a fully electric four-wheeler might just be your best bet yet.