The Maharashtra government on Tuesday declared a toll tax exemption for vehicles associated with the annual Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur, which will be held between 18 June and 10 July.
A government resolution issued by the Public Works Department (PWD) states that the exemption will be applicable to vehicles carrying Warkari pilgrims, the traditional palkhi processions, and extra buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) during the yatra.
The waiver extends to all 10 maanachi palkhis (honorary processions) and their accompanying vehicles at toll booths managed by the PWD, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), including those on key routes such as the Mumbai바카라“Pune Expressway.
Vehicles making use of the exemption must carry special passes featuring registration and driver information. These passes will be issued by the local police and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to ensure identification and smooth coordination.
The Wari is a centuries-old pilgrimage in Maharashtra that draws lakhs of devotees, who journey on foot alongside the palkhis of Sant Tukaram from Dehu and Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur. The procession culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on 10 July this year.
To manage the estimated 20 lakh pilgrims expected this year바카라”up from 18 lakh last year바카라”the government has allocated ₹42 crore for infrastructure, safety, and other arrangements. MSRTC will operate 5,000 additional buses to cater to the increased pilgrim traffic.
Additional police forces, highway patrols, and emergency response units have been deployed along primary routes such as the Mumbai바카라“Bengaluru and Pune바카라“Solapur highways. The PWD has also been instructed to carry out urgent road maintenance and install proper signage along the pilgrimage routes.
State departments, including law enforcement and transport authorities, are working in coordination to ensure a safe and smooth journey for the Warkaris.
