Maharashtra Rolls Out Toll-Free Travel for EVs on Atal Setu, More Highways to Follow
Maharashtra Rolls Out Toll-Free Travel for EVs on Atal Setu, More Highways to Follow
In a landmark move supporting cleaner and greener mobility, the Maharashtra government has officially waived off toll charges for certain categories of electric vehicles (EVs) on the Atal Setu — the iconic sea bridge connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. Starting August 22, 2025, electric four-wheelers and electric buses can cruise through the bridge toll-free, marking a pivotal step in the state’s ambitious EV Policy 2025.
This exemption was formally announced through a government notification (No. MRD-3325/C.R.123/UD-7) issued by the Urban Development Department, and it applies to category M1 electric four-wheelers and M3 and M4 category electric buses, including those operated by State Transport Undertakings (STUs) as well as private players. However, electric goods vehicles have been excluded from this benefit.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that this toll waiver is applicable at Shivaji Nagar and Gavan toll collection points on the 21.8-kilometre Atal Setu corridor — previously known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). The sea bridge, inaugurated in January 2024, has quickly become a vital route for both daily commuters and commercial transport, with traffic figures crossing over 34,000 vehicles per day.
Initially, toll charges for all vehicles on the Atal Setu were fixed until December 31, 2025, under a government resolution issued earlier this year on January 31. However, this new order partially overrides that decision, bringing relief specifically to EV owners.
The roots of this decision lie in a May 2025 directive from the state Home Department, which proposed toll exemptions for electric cars and buses on Atal Setu in public interest. Thursday’s notification officially activates this decision, aligning with the state’s larger goal of promoting sustainable transport.
The toll relief doesn’t end with just one bridge. Maharashtra’s EV Policy 2025 is far-reaching. The state has confirmed plans to extend similar toll concessions to major highways including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Samruddhi Expressway, both crucial arterial routes witnessing tens of thousands of vehicles daily. On top of that, electric four-wheelers will also get a 50% discount on tolls across state and national highways managed by the Public Works Department.
By rolling out these incentives, Maharashtra is taking clear and visible steps to reduce carbon emissions and shift towards environmentally responsible transport solutions. The goal is not just to provide economic relief to EV owners but also to encourage more people to adopt electric mobility.
With this latest development, Maharashtra strengthens its position as a forward-looking state committed to sustainable infrastructure. While the Atal Setu now offers toll-free passage to EVs, the road ahead seems even more promising as the government prepares to expand these benefits across more major routes.
