Ganeshotsav 2024 Toll Waiver: CM Eknath Shinde announces toll waiver on highways and major roads during festival

Mumbai, September 04, 2024: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced toll waiver on major highways and PWD roads in the state during Ganeshotsav from September 5 to September 19, 2024.

This toll waiver is applicable to vehicles driving on Mumbai-Goa Highway, Mumbai-Bangalore Highway and all other PWD roads leading to Konkan. This decision was taken during a review meeting by the CM to ensure that citizens have to pay no toll charges while visiting hometowns in Konkan for the festival.

Details of the Toll Waiver

• Exemption Period: September 5 to September 19, 2024
• Eligible Roads: Mumbai-Goa Highway, Mumbai-Bangalore Highway and all other PWD roads leading to Konkan
• Eligible Vehicles: All private and public vehicles traveling to Konkan for Ganeshotsav 2024

‘Ganeshotsav 2024, Konkan Darshan’ Pass

To avail benefits under this waiver, vehicle owners must obtain a pass labeled “Ganeshotsav 2024, Konkan Darshan”. This pass will clearly display the name of the driver and vehicle number. These passes can be obtained from:

• The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs),
• Local traffic police stations,
• Other designated offices in coordination with the transport department.

The same pass will be valid for the return journey, ensuring that travelers to and from Konkan during the festival do not have to pay tolls.

गणेशोत्सवासाठी कोकणात जाणाऱ्या भक्तांना विशेष भेट म्हणून, मुख्यमंत्री @mieknathshinde यांनी ५ सप्टेंबर ते १९ सप्टेंबर या कालावधीत पथकर (टोल) माफी देण्याचा निर्णय घेतला आहे. त्यासंबंधीचा शासन निर्णय सार्वजनिक बांधकाम विभागाने आज जारी केला आहे. या निर्णयामुळे मुंबई-बंगळुरु आणि… pic.twitter.com/BrA2hAMSFH

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) September 4, 2024

Toll Exemptions for MSRTC Buses

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses carrying passengers to Konkan for Ganeshotsav 2024 will also be exempted from paying toll during the festival. These buses will receive the necessary passes through local RTOs and police authorities, making it easier for the thousands of travelers expected to head to Konkan for the festival.

Statement from CM Office

“As a special gift to the devotees traveling to Konkan for Ganeshotsav, Chief Minister @mieknathshinde has decided to waive toll charges from September 5 to September 19. This decision will apply to toll booths on the Mumbai-Bangalore and Mumbai-Goa National Highways, as well as other PWD-managed roads,” the CMO stated.

The Maharashtra government has already issued a Government Resolution (GR) officially communicating about the toll waiver. The state authorities have been instructed to ensure that all relevant information, including the process for obtaining passes, is communicated clearly to the public, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey for the devotees.

Large Number of Vehicles Traveling to Konkan

Every year, thousands of devotees from Mumbai, Pune and nearby areas travel to their hometowns in Konkan to celebrate the festival. With this toll waiver, Maharashtra government intends to make more affordable and quicker as most of the vehicles are expected to carry passes, thus passing quickly through toll booths.