During the Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session, Rahul Narwekar declared toll collection from electric vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune and Samruddhi expressways “illegal”, directing the government to fully implement the waiver within eight days
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. File pic
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday during the Winter Assembly Session said that the collection of toll from electric vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune and Samruddhi motorways was "illegal". Narwekar further asked the government to implement the waiver system within eight days.
Responding to questions on the toll waiver for electric vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Motorway, Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Motorway and Atal Setu in Mumbai, Minister Dada Bhuse admitted that toll had been deducted from some EV users despite the waiver, as reported by news agency PTI.
Earlier on May 23, the Maharashtra government announced the EV toll waiver policy, which was further implemented from August 22, 2025.
Bhuse, further replying on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (on transport-related matters) during the question hour, stated, "For the toll waiver, FASTag details of EVs must be registered with Vahan (transport portal) and integrated with the toll system. The implementation began three months ago. There have been some instances where toll was deducted. We are trying to speed it (waiver) up and implement the process effectively," as cited by news agency PTI.
Soon after Bhuse’s reply, speaker Narwekar intervened, pointing out that the policy was already in force. "If even a single EV is being charged a toll, then it is illegal," reported PTI.
The Maharashtra Assembly speaker further directed to ensure that the full waiver system is operational within eight days.
He stated, "The state is promoting EVs and giving a commitment to the people through its policy. Not a single EV should be charged a toll, and the waiver should be implemented in the next eight days. Also, a system should be put in place to return the money collected from EV owners," as cited by news agency PTI.
Furthermore, Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Varun Sardesai also countered Bhuse's claim that the toll waiver is currently in force. He emphasised, "I have receipts of toll charges deducted as late as on October 27. I can prove my claim," as per PTI.
Narwekar further asserted that a mechanism should be devised to return the collected toll amount from the EV users. While highlighting the refund initiation of toll charges on EV vehicles, he emphasised, "If people provide substantiating proofs to their claims, then the toll operators or the state government should return the amount to the EV users," as reported by PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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