In pics | Mumbai–Navi Mumbai Atal Setu 50% toll concession extended for 1 more year

The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to extend toll concessions on the Atal Setu for one more year, continuing relief for thousands of commuters who use the sea bridge daily to travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Officials said the move was aimed at reducing the financial burden on regular users while maintaining smooth traffic flow on the crucial connector.

As part of the decision, the state will continue offering a 50% concession on toll charges for vehicles using the Atal Setu. The concession is expected to benefit office-goers, logistics operators, and frequent travellers who rely on the bridge as a faster alternative to older routes.

In a major boost to sustainable transport, the cabinet approved complete exemption from toll for electric cars and electric buses on the Atal Setu. The decision aligns with the state government’s push to promote electric mobility and reduce carbon emissions on high-traffic corridors.

The issue of toll-free access for EVs gained attention after the state admitted in December that toll naka operators continued charging EVs, despite a government decision in May 2025 to exempt electric vehicles from toll on Atal Setu, Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and Samruddhi Highway.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar intervened, directing the state government to ensure toll-free access for all EVs within eight days. He also ordered that refunds be issued to EV owners from whom toll was wrongly collected after the May 2025 decision.

Responding in the Assembly, Shiv Sena minister Dada Bhuse said implementation was delayed due to technical issues, including coordination with FASTag agencies and the National Informatics Center (NIC), which slowed the process of updating toll systems.

Apart from toll-related decisions, the cabinet approved a revised financial plan of ₹8,087.11 crore for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase-2 (MUTP-2). The project aims to strengthen suburban rail infrastructure and improve daily commute for lakhs of Mumbaikars.

The cabinet also cleared the formation of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility & Advancements (MAHIMA). The agency will coordinate overseas employment schemes and help skilled workers access job opportunities in various countries.

Since its opening, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu has significantly reduced travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, cutting journeys that earlier took over an hour to under 25 minutes during non-peak hours. Officials say the bridge has eased pressure on the Vashi and Airoli routes, offering commuters a faster, signal-free alternative across the harbour while improving connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Beyond daily commuting, Atal Setu is emerging as a critical infrastructure link for freight movement and regional development. The sea bridge connects seamlessly to key arterial roads leading to JNPT, industrial belts in Navi Mumbai, and the under-construction international airport. Authorities view the corridor as a long-term economic enabler, expected to support logistics, trade, and growth across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.