Nitin Gadkari announces new toll policy for national highways

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that expert committees have suggested the implementation of corridor-based projects using automatic number plate recognition FASTag technologies for barrier-free tolling. Toll collection for frequent users of national highways is likely to witness some easing as the Modi government is mulling decreasing the amount for regular travellers.

Nitin Gadkari made the announcement of the new policy

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari made the announcement of the new policy for national highway toll amount which is to be launched soon. The new policy is expected to provide a major relief to the users, making them more affordable in terms of pocket.
To simplify the payment process, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is developing annual and lifetime toll charges for national highways, proposing a fee of Rs 3,000 annually and Rs 30,000 for a one-time 15-year payment. This will not only generate constant government revenue but for the users it is sure to make travel smoother at toll booths. 

Rajya Sabha questions by observing that the committees

Gadkari replied to the Rajya Sabha questions by observing that the committees have recommended greater deliberation on the potential of satellite-based tolling and the operational expenses that will be associated with it. He observed that expert panels have suggested the implementation of corridor-based initiatives using automatic number plate recognition FASTag technologies for barrier-free tolling. 

Concession agreements

According to the 2008 regulations, toll plazas on the same sections of national highways and directions should provide at least a distance of 60 kilometres. Toll plazas on National Highways operate under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, as well as the respective Concession Agreements. In 2023-24, total revenue raised through tolls was Rs 64,809.86 crore, an increase of 35% from the previous year.