In view of the annual Ashadhi pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the Maharashtra state government has announced toll exemptions for vehicles carrying warkaris (pilgrims) and devotees heading to the temple town. The toll waiver will apply to both onward and return journeys between June 18 and July 10, 2025.
This exemption covers both light and heavy vehicles used by the devotees and palkhis. Additionally, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses operating special services for the occasion will also be exempted from toll charges.
"To avail of the exemption, vehicles must display stickers bearing the text 'Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025', along with the vehicle number and driver’s name. These stickers will be distributed in coordination with the Transport Department, local police stations, traffic police units, and other concerned authorities. Importantly, the same sticker will be valid for the return journey, eliminating the need for separate registration," said an official.
The distribution of toll-free passes will be handled by the respective district and city police departments, based on requests from pilgrims, warkaris, and palkhi organizers. Furthermore, all MSRTC buses heading toward Pandharpur from across Maharashtra will be granted toll exemptions at every toll plaza.
Apart from that, a dedicated police force will be deployed at all toll booths to ensure smooth operations. The Transport Department has been directed to operate additional buses to manage the increased pilgrim traffic. Highway police will also be stationed near toll plazas to maintain order and ensure hassle-free travel.
"To manage emergency situations, the government will station ambulances and cranes on major highways such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and other state routes. Specific directives have been issued for crane deployment along the Mumbai-Kolhapur-Bangalore and Pune-Solapur national highways," said an official.
Additionally, for the convenience of pilgrims, road repairs and maintenance activities are also being carried out, including pothole filling and the installation of signage on key routes. These include the Sion-Panvel highway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway, Pune-Solapur, Pune-Satara-Kolhapur up to the state border, as well as various connecting national and state highways, major district roads, and rural roads.
