Lower Toll Charges on National Highways: New Policy in the Works
Government’s Plan to Reduce Toll Payout for Regular Users
The Indian government is planning to lower the toll payout for regular users of national highways. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that a new policy for national highway toll charges will be introduced soon, offering reasonable concessions to users.
Annual and Lifetime Toll Charges
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on annual and lifetime toll charges for national highways. The proposed rates are Rs 3000 per year and Rs 30,000 for 15 years as a one-time payment. This initiative aims to ensure consistent government revenue while improving travel efficiency at toll plazas.
Satellite-Based Toll Collection
In response to Rajya Sabha queries, Gadkari noted that committees have suggested further discussions on satellite-based tolling, considering security, privacy, breach risks, and operational control aspects.
Toll collection
Importance of Toll Charges
The minister emphasized that toll charges are essential due to substantial infrastructure investment. He stated, “It is the policy of the department that when you want a good road, you have to pay for it.”
Minimum Distance Between Toll Plazas
The 2008 regulations stipulate that toll plazas on identical national highway sections and directions must maintain a minimum distance of 60 kilometres.
Addressing Existing Issues and Offering Fair Concessions
Gadkari further explained that after the session, a new toll policy would be announced to address existing issues, offering fair concessions to users and eliminating related debates.
National Highway Toll Collection
National Highway toll plazas operate according to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 and respective Concession Agreements. Total toll collection reached Rs 64,809.86 crore in 2023-24, showing a 35% increase from the previous year.
Satellite-Based Toll Collection: NavIC and FASTag Systems
Regarding satellite-based tolling, Gadkari explained that NavIC requires additional satellite networks and receiver development for accurate positioning. He mentioned that expert committees have suggested implementing corridor-based projects using automatic number plate recognition FASTag systems for barrier-less tolling.
