State pushes for 30% e-vehicles by 2030

Time of India

14 hours ago

Thane: Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the state aims for 25–30% of all vehicles on the road to be electric-powered by 2030, with the Mahayuti govt actively promoting the shift to green mobility.
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"Consumer interest is steadily moving toward electric vehicles. Our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is committed to achieving a 30% share of EVs in the state. To support this, the govt is offering toll waivers and purchase subsidies to encourage adoption," Sarnaik said during the registration of what he said was possibly the country's first (45HP) electric tractor at the Thane RTO, in the presence of RTO officer Hemangini Patil.
Highlighting the benefits of the electric tractor, Sarnaik called it a game-changer for agriculture. "E-tractors have minimal maintenance and repair costs, and their fuel expenses are 60–70% lower than diesel counterparts. Ploughing one acre costs just Rs 300 with an e-tractor, compared to Rs 1,200–Rs 1,500 using diesel. Under the Maharashtra State Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, buyers are eligible for a Rs 1.5 lakh subsidy, zero registration fees, and interest-free loans through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Vikas Mahamandal," he said.
Addressing urban traffic issues, Sarnaik announced that a comprehensive parking policy will be rolled out across the state by next year to tackle congestion in cities like Thane and Mumbai.
"Roadside parking is a key cause of congestion, especially in growing cities. We're working with municipal corporations to develop city-specific parking solutions. Sarnaik also assured intervention in the poor condition of Ghodbunder Highway, especially the Gaimukh Ghat stretch, and said the bad patches would be repaired soon.
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TOI highlighted the poor condition of the highway and the ghat section, which frequently led to traffic congestion, leaving motorists stuck in slow-moving traffic and taking hours to cross even small stretches on the highway. This highway is a crucial connection between Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Gujarat, Konkan, and North Maharashtra.