The Central Government has announced relief for commuters using partially operational expressways across the country. As part of a key reform, toll charges on incomplete national expressways will be reduced from February 15.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 to lower user fees on stretches that are not fully completed. The revised rules will come into effect from February 15.
What Has Changed?
Currently, toll on national expressways is 25% higher than regular national highways due to faster and smoother travel experience. Even if an expressway was not fully operational from start to end, commuters were required to pay the full 25% higher toll on the completed portion.
Under the new provision, if a national expressway is not fully functional along its entire stretch, toll will now be charged at a lower rate than a regular national highway for the completed portion. This move aims to address long-standing complaints from commuters about paying premium toll on under-construction routes.
Why the Decision Was Taken
Several expressway projects are under construction in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In many cases, certain stretches were opened for traffic before full completion.
Complaints were particularly reported from projects including NH-46 in Madhya Pradesh, where toll was allegedly collected despite incomplete infrastructure. Following such grievances, the ministry decided to rationalize toll collection on under-construction expressways.
Relief for Commuters
The revised rule is expected to provide financial relief to daily commuters and transport operators. With reduced toll on incomplete stretches, travellers can save both money and fuel while benefiting from improved road infrastructure.
The decision marks a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in toll collection across India’s rapidly expanding expressway network.
