Archive · 18 Jul 2025
CAG Slams Maharashtra Toll Waiver on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Imagine the government giving a company that collects tolls money back because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The CAG, which checks how the government spends money, said this was wrong.
The company, which runs the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, wanted the money back because people weren't driving.
But the contract said they should have insurance for unexpected events like this.
The government gave them the money anyway, which the CAG said was not right.
Now, the government is trying to get the money back from the company.
CAG criticized Maharashtra government for waiving Rs 71.07 crore toll fees on Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
The waiver was granted to IRB MP Expressway Private Limited during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.
The CAG report stated the waiver violated the agreement with Mumbai Pune Expressway Limited (MPEL).
The agreement stipulated that IRB should have insurance for 'force majeure' events, which it didn't.
A mediation report advised IRB to remit Rs 71.06 crore to MPEL; the government is initiating recovery.
- Who
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
- What
- CAG criticized toll waiver on Mumbai-Pune Expressway during lockdown.
- When
- The waiver occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The report was released on Friday.
- Where
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The waiver violated the agreement and was considered irregular.
CAG's Findings
Government Response
Waiver Justification
CAG's Findings
The waiver violated the agreement and was undue favor.
Government Response
IRB requested the waiver due to toll collection disruption.
Agreement Clause
CAG's Findings
The waiver should not have been granted as the company did not insure against force majeure events.
Government Response
The waiver compensated for revenue loss.
- Report Issuing Body
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India
- Expressway
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Toll Operator
- IRB MP Expressway Private Limited
- Waiver Amount
- Rs 71.07 crore
- Date of Lockdown
- March 23, 2020
- Agreement
- Mumbai Pune Expressway Limited (MPEL)
- CAG's Criticism
- Irregular revenue waiver