Toll Tax On Expressways : The government has introduced a significant change in the rules related to toll collection on national expressways. Under the new provision, if an expressway is not fully completed and operational, commuters will no longer be charged full toll for the unfinished stretch.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification amending the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The revised rules will come into effect from 15 February.
Relief on Partially Operational Expressways
According to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI-Bhasha), earlier commuters were required to pay the full toll even when an expressway was not operational from start to end.
This meant that if only a portion of an expressway was open while construction continued on the remaining sections, toll was still charged based on the total project length. This placed an additional financial burden on road users.
Under the new rules:
- Toll will be charged only for the completed and operational stretch.
- The rate will be equivalent to that of a regular national highway, not the higher expressway rate.
Why Higher Toll Was Charged Earlier
The government states that toll on national expressways is generally 25% higher than on standard national highways.
This premium pricing exists because expressways offer:
- High-speed travel
- Access-controlled entry/exit
- Minimal traffic interruptions
- Better road infrastructure
- Reduced travel time
However, when construction work is ongoing and traffic faces diversions, bottlenecks, or delays, the travel experience is not fully “expressway-grade.” Charging higher tolls in such conditions had drawn criticism from commuters and transport operators.
What Will Change Under the New Rule
As per the amended provision:
- If an expressway is not fully operational end-to-end, toll will apply only to the usable portion.
- Charges will be calculated at national highway rates, not expressway rates.
- Commuters will not pay premium toll for incomplete infrastructure.
This ensures users pay only for the level of service they actually receive.
Rules Effective from 15 February
The ministry has clarified that the amendment to the 2008 toll rules will be implemented from 15 February onward.
From this date:
- Any under-construction expressway stretch will follow the revised toll structure.
- Operators must adjust toll collection systems accordingly.
The government says the move is aimed at protecting public interest and ensuring fairness in user charges.
Benefits for Common Commuters
This decision is expected to benefit:
- Private vehicle owners
- Truck and freight operators
- Bus and passenger transport services
Likely impacts include:
- Reduced travel costs
- Lower logistics expenses
- Possible moderation in freight charges
- Greater transparency in toll collection
Overall, the reform is being seen as an important step toward making India’s toll system more equitable and commuter-friendly. Travelers will now pay charges proportionate to the actual road facilities available, rather than for incomplete expressway infrastructure.