Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has pulled up the state government over wrongful toll deductions from electric vehicles (EVs) on major highways. Calling the practice “illegal”, he has given the government eight days to fully enforce the EV toll waiver.Why Toll Collection from EVs Is 'Illegal'Speaking during the question hour on Wednesday, Narwekar said the state’s EV policy is already active, and no EV should be charged toll on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway or Atal Setu.“If even a single EV is being charged toll, then it is illegal,” he said.The Speaker directed the government to ensure the full toll waiver system is implemented immediately.EV Toll Waiver Policy: What the State SaidReplying on transport-related matters on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Dada Bhuse admitted that some EV users were still being charged despite the waiver.He clarified that:The Maharashtra EV policy was announced on 23 May 2025It was implemented from 22 August 2025FASTag details of EVs must be registered on the Vahan portal and synced with toll systemsImplementation began three months ago, but some issues persistBhuse said work was underway to “speed up” the process and make the waiver effective across all points.Toll Deducted from EV Users? MLA Counters Government ClaimShiv Sena (UBT) legislator Varun Sardesai contradicted Bhuse’s statement, saying toll deductions were still happening even recently.“I have receipts of toll charges deducted as late as 27 October. I can prove my claim,” Sardesai stated in the Assembly.His intervention highlighted the ongoing gaps between policy and on-ground execution.Maharashtra Speaker Orders Toll Refund Mechanism for EVsTaking note of the concerns, Narwekar instructed the government to introduce a refund mechanism for EV users who were wrongly charged. He stressed that EV owners should be able to submit proof and receive their money back, either from toll operators or the state.“The state is promoting EVs through its policy. Not a single EV should be charged toll. The waiver must be fully implemented in the next eight days,” Narwekar said.Bhuse confirmed that the government would follow the Speaker’s directives.What This Means for EV Owners in MaharashtraWith the Speaker’s firm deadline, EV owners can expect:Full toll waiver enforcement within eight daysNo deductions on Mumbai–Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Expressway and Atal SetuRefunds for any wrongful charges, once a mechanism is notifiedAs the state pushes EV adoption, proper implementation of the waiver will be closely watched in the coming days.Inputs from agencies
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