EV Toll Collection on Expressways ‘Illegal’: Speaker Narwekar Orders Full Waiver Within 8 Days

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel | December 10, 2025

In a decisive intervention during the Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session, Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday declared the collection of toll from electric vehicles (EVs) on major state expressways “illegal”, directing the government to implement a complete and error-free waiver within eight days.

The directive came after Transport Minister Dada Bhuse admitted that despite an official EV toll exemption policy, toll continued to be deducted from certain EV users on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Atal Setu in Mumbai.

Govt Admits ‘Technical Lapses’

Bhuse informed the Assembly that the waiver — officially operational since August 22, 2025 — had faced integration issues between FASTag and the Vahan portal.

“There have been some instances where toll was deducted. We are speeding up implementation,” he said, responding on behalf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for transport-related matters.

Speaker Slams System Failure

Narwekar strongly countered the explanation, stating:

“If even a single EV is being charged a toll, it is illegal. The waiver must be fully operational in the next eight days.”

He also ordered the government to create a mechanism to refund wrongly deducted toll amounts to EV owners.

Opposition Counters Government’s Claims

Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Varun Sardesai contested the government’s claim that the waiver was already functional.

He said he possessed proof of EV toll deductions as recently as October 27, highlighting continued lapses in the system.

EV Owners to Get Refund System

The Speaker directed the government to:

• Fully activate the toll-waiver integration in 8 days
• Ensure zero toll deduction for EV users
• Build a system to process refund requests with proof
• Report progress before the House

Background

• Maharashtra announced its EV Toll Waiver Policy on May 23, 2025
• It came into force statewide on August 22, 2025
• The policy aims to promote EV adoption through direct financial incentives

However, recurring complaints and digital integration failures have frustrated EV users across the state.

Rising Questions

• Why did toll operators continue charging despite a government notification?
• Who is accountable for delayed integration — toll concessionaires or state agencies?
• Will refunds be automatic or document-based?
• How soon will the public see the corrected system in action?

As the deadline ticks, EV owners await clarity — and compensation — from the state government.