15 hours ago
Maharashtra announces toll exemption for Pandharpur pilgrimage vehicles
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) announced toll tax exemptions for vehicles participating in the annual Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur, scheduled from June 18 to July 10. The exemption will cover all warkari devotees, traditional palkhi processions, and additional MSRTC buses transporting pilgrims during the period.
According to a government resolution issued by the Public Works Department (PWD), the toll waiver will apply to all 10 traditional maanachi palkhis (honorary processions) and their accompanying vehicles across toll plazas operated by the PWD, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), including the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
Vehicles availing of the exemption must display special passes containing registration details and driver information. These passes will be issued through local police stations and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
The centuries-old Wari tradition involves lakhs of devotees accompanying the palkhis of Sant Tukaram from Dehu and Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi to the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. The pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on July 10 this year.
To ensure smooth passage and safety for pilgrims, authorities have deployed additional police forces, highway patrol units, and emergency response services along major routes, including the Mumbai–Bengaluru and Pune–Solapur highways.
The Public Works Department has been instructed to complete urgent road repairs and install necessary signage along the pilgrimage corridors. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate 5,000 additional buses to accommodate the anticipated 20 lakh pilgrims this year.
Last year's pilgrimage witnessed a record turnout, with 18 lakh devotees undertaking the journey to Pandharpur. The State government has allocated ₹42 crore for pilgrim amenities and security arrangements for this year's yatra.
