Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Free Toll Passes for Konkan‑bound Pilgrims

Every year, as the scent of incense and fresh modak fills the air, a sea of devotees leaves the concrete jungles of Mumbai and Pune for the breezy villages of Konkan. This year the state government has decided to make the journey a little easier – by wiping out toll charges on the main arteries that lead south.

From 11 September to 27 September 2026, any vehicle that is travelling to Konkan for Ganesh Chaturthi can drive through the toll plazas on the Mumbai‑Goa highway (NH‑66), the Mumbai‑Bengaluru corridor (NH‑48), the newly‑built Atal Setu (Sewri‑Nhava Sheva) and the key state highways managed by the PWD and MSRDC – all without paying a single rupee.

So, how does one actually get the magical little sticker that says “Ganeshotsav 2026 Konkan Darshan”? It’s surprisingly simple. The pass is completely free and can be collected from any of the following places:

• Local police stations
• Traffic police check‑posts
• Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)

Just walk in, fill out a short form with your vehicle registration number, the driver’s or owner’s name, and the dates you plan to travel. After a quick verification, the officer will hand you a sticker – usually about the size of a credit‑card – that you need to stick firmly on the front windscreen. Keep it there for the whole round‑trip; the same sticker works for your return journey too.

Don’t forget: the waiver also extends to state‑run MSRTC buses that are ferrying pilgrims from various districts. Those buses will glide through the toll plazas untouched, easing the congestion that normally builds up during the festive rush.

Why the massive exodus to Konkan, you ask? For many, Ganesh Chaturthi is the only time of year they can slip back to their ancestral homes, where the celebrations are intimate – a modest household Ganpati rather than the grand public pandals of the city. The drive itself is a treat: winding through lush ghats, mist‑kissed paddy fields and waterfalls that seem to flow straight out of a postcard.

To sum up, if you’re planning to join the pilgrimage:

1. Mark the dates – 11 Sept to 27 Sept 2026.
2. Visit your nearest police station, traffic chowky or RTO before you set off.
3. Complete the form, grab the sticker, and stick it on the windshield.
4. Enjoy a toll‑free ride on NH‑66, NH‑48, Atal Setu and the relevant state highways.
5. Keep the sticker on until you’re back in the city.

That’s all there is to it. Safe travels, and may Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles on your road home.