Maharashtra’s Pushes For EVs: Free Tolls, Extra Perks, And Charging Every 25 Km On Key Expressways

The Maharashtra government has proposed to remove toll charges for electric vehicles (EVs) on two major roads - the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The plan is part of a new policy to promote EVs in the state.

Officials said the proposal may get final approval from the state cabinet soon, after it is cleared by the finance and other departments.

As of January 1, only 6 per cent of the 4.88 crore vehicles in Maharashtra are electric. This is lower than Delhi (12 per cent), Karnataka (9 per cent), and Tamil Nadu (8 per cent).

The new EV policy suggests that toll tax should not be charged from EVs on the two expressways starting May 1. It also says charging stations should be built every 25 kilometres along the highways and near government offices.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is part of the central government's 'green energy corridor'. The Samruddhi Expressway is the state's newest road and was planned by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

If the plan is passed, the state will have to pay around Rs 100 crore every year to cover the toll cost for EVs. Some departments have already agreed, but the finance department may raise concerns.

A 10 per cent discount on the price of a new EV is also being planned. This is because EVs cost about 30 per cent more than petrol or diesel vehicles.

The government is also studying a possible ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A new rule already says that bike taxis must now use electric bikes only.

As per the same report, transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said he supports the idea, but the final decision will be taken by MSRDC, which manages the toll booths.