Toll Charges On National Highways May Take A Dip: Nitin Gadkari

Road Transport and Highway Minister, Nitin Gadkari has announced that a new policy will be released providing deduction in toll charges for the frequent users of national highways. The policy will be a relief for the regular users of national highways. Gadkari said that the Modi Government is planning the annual and lifetime toll charges to be paid at the toll plazas of National Highways. Rs 3000 yearly and Rs 30,000 for 15 years are proposed as a single payment. The initiative aims to enhance travel efficiency at toll plazas while ensuring consistent government revenue.

In response to the Rajya Sabha queries, the minister noted that the committee has suggested innovative ideas such as satellite-based tolling while keeping in mind the various considerations like privacy, security, operational control approach, data theft, etc. Gadkari emphasised the importance of toll charges for significant infrastructural investment by saying, “It is the policy of the department, that if you want a good road, you have to pay for it.”

The 2008 regulation dictates that the toll booths on identical national highways in the same direction and sections must be built at least 60 kilometres apart. He also said that post-session a new policy aiming to resolve the current issues, offering fair concession to the users and resolving the debates will be introduced.

National Highways tolls plazas operate under the National Highway Rules, 2008 and respective concession agreements. 2023-24 recorded total toll collection of over Rs. 64 crores making it 35 per cent higher than the previous year.

Gadkari further explained the requirements for the Satellite-based tolling mode. He informed that NavIc requires some additional satellite networks and receiver development to enhance the positioning. He further mentioned that the committee has suggested the implementation of corridor based projects using automatic number plate’s recognition FASTag for efficient and hassle-free toll collection.