Mumbai, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : The Maharashtra government has announced a significant relief for the millions of devotees traveling to Konkan for Ganesh Chaturthi. As part of this initiative, vehicles carrying Ganesh devotees will be exempt from toll taxes. Public Works Minister Shivendra Singh Rajewade Bhosale shared the details of this decision.
According to the government’s official circular, the toll waiver will be in effect from September 11 to September 27, 2026. During this period, travelers on the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway 48, Mumbai-Goa National Highway 66, and all other routes leading to Konkan under the Public Works Department and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will not have to pay tolls. Additionally, vehicles using the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivdi-Nhava Sheva Bridge will also benefit from this exemption.
Ganesh Chaturthi is regarded as one of the most important festivals in Maharashtra’s cultural and social calendar. Every year, thousands of families residing in major cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune travel back to their ancestral villages in Konkan to celebrate the festival. This leads to heavy traffic on all major routes, including the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
The decision aims to make the journey more convenient, safe, and enjoyable for devotees, while also alleviating their financial burden. Following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and guidance from Minister Shivendra Singh Rajewade Bhosale, the Public Works Department issued the official circular on September 8, 2026.
To ensure the smooth implementation of this decision, the government has instructed police, traffic police, the Regional Transport Department (RTO), and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to coordinate effectively.
To prevent any inconvenience for devotees taking advantage of the toll waiver, special arrangements will be made. A sticker or pass labeled ‘Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 – Konkan Darshan’ will be provided. This pass will include the vehicle number and driver’s name. These passes will be distributed at police stations, traffic checkpoints, and RTO offices, ensuring easy access for travelers. Notably, the pass will also be valid for the return journey, allowing devotees to travel back from Konkan without incurring toll charges.
The scheme also includes state transport buses. Toll exemptions will apply to various ST buses traveling to Konkan from different districts during Ganesh Chaturthi. Passengers can display the pass on the bus or at toll plazas to receive the exemption, benefiting those using public transport as well.
To manage the expected increase in traffic at toll booths due to the waiver, the administration has prepared accordingly. Police and transport departments have been instructed to streamline the verification process for passes and the toll exemption. Public awareness campaigns will inform people about which routes are included in the waiver and where to obtain the passes.
Minister Shivendra Singh Rajewade Bhosale emphasized, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival connected to the emotions of every individual. The government’s decision to waive tolls aims to ensure that the journey to welcome beloved Ganesh is safe, convenient, and enjoyable. All departments must work together with coordination and sensitivity.”
Leave a Comment