The buzz around electric vehicles in India is growing louder, but one question still worries EV owners—where do you charge on long drives? To tackle this, MSRDC plans more EV charging stations on the busy 94.5-kilometer Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a lifeline that carries over a lakh vehicles daily. With just five stations currently in place, the move to add eight new ones is set to transform travel for EV users. This development isn’t just about convenience—it signals a bigger push towards green mobility. Curious how this step could redefine highway travel in Maharashtra? Let’s dive deeper.
Bridging the EV Infrastructure Gap
Currently, there are only five charging points on this important corridor, which is insufficient considering that the expressway handles nearly 1.4 lakh vehicles daily. The addition of eight new stations is expected to ease “range anxiety” and make intercity EV travel more convenient.
Studying the Road Ahead
MSRDC has initiated two critical studies. The first aims to identify the most suitable locations for the new charging stations, while the second will determine how many EVs currently use the highway, since no official data is available at present. Officials expect that once the planning process is complete, the new charging facilities will become operational by the end of this year.
Toll Exemption: A Powerful Incentive
This infrastructure expansion aligns with Maharashtra’s EV-friendly policy, which includes toll exemptions for electric vehicles on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway), and Atal Setu. The state has also announced plans to ensure charging facilities every 25 km along state and national highways, along with fast chargers at fuel stations and bus depots through public–private partnerships.
Current EV Landscape in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has over 5.5 lakh registered EVs, but new registrations have slowed in 2025. Only around 24,000 EVs were registered until August 23 this year, compared to more than 1.5 lakh in 2024. In the Pune RTO region, registrations dropped sharply from 22,946 last year to just 3,137 this year. Similarly, Pimpri Chinchwad RTO saw a decline from 10,899 to only 1,397 registrations. These figures indicate that infrastructure concerns may be discouraging many potential buyers.
On-the-Ground Voices
Commuters and EV owners have raised concerns about the lack of reliable charging facilities. Prakash Khadekar, an EV owner, admitted that he avoids long expressway trips because of charging limitations. He pointed out that many existing stations are non-operational due to technical issues, making travel uncertain. Other commuters have stressed that every petrol pump should have a functional charging point, arguing that toll exemptions alone are not enough without dependable infrastructure.
Why It Matters?
Expanding the EV charging network along busy corridors like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is crucial for boosting commuter confidence and ensuring smooth long-distance travel. It also aligns with the state’s broader target of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030 and reducing vehicular emissions.
Closing Thoughts
MSRDC’s plan to expand EV charging infrastructure on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is a significant step forward in the state’s sustainable mobility journey. However, the real impact will depend on the timely implementation and proper maintenance of these facilities. For Maharashtra to become a true EV hub, commuters must feel assured that their vehicles can travel reliably and seamlessly across major highways. Strengthening infrastructure is not just a supportive measure—it is the backbone of the EV revolution.
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