Govt to Roll Out New Toll Policy Soon, Promises Relief for Highway Users: Gadkari
New Delhi, 19-03-2025: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Wednesday that the government is set to introduce a new toll policy for national highways, ensuring a reasonable concession for consumers. Addressing concerns in the Rajya Sabha, the minister emphasized that toll charges are necessary to sustain the country’s massive road infrastructure projects, as the government continues to invest heavily in expanding and upgrading the highway network.
Gadkari reiterated the fundamental policy of the ministry, stating, “If you want good roads, you have to pay for them.” He highlighted that the government plans to invest ₹3 lakh crore in road development projects in Assam alone, including the construction of major highways, four-lane and six-lane roads, as well as key bridges across the Brahmaputra River.
The minister explained that toll revenues play a crucial role in funding these projects, as funds are raised from the market to support infrastructure development. However, he assured that the government is mindful of public concerns and is implementing fair tolling practices. Currently, tolls are levied only on four-lane highways and not on two-lane paved shoulder roads.
Under the existing National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, toll plazas cannot be established within 60 kilometers of each other in the same direction, except in specific circumstances. Gadkari stated that the upcoming toll policy would address existing challenges, provide relief to consumers, and eliminate debates over toll collection.
Additionally, he revealed that India’s total toll collection has surged significantly, reaching ₹64,809.86 crore in 2023-24, marking a 35% increase compared to the previous year. In contrast, the total toll revenue stood at ₹27,503 crore in 2019-20, reflecting the rapid expansion of highway networks and the growing reliance on user fees to finance road development.
#TollPolicy #HighwayCharges #NitinGadkari #RoadInfrastructure #NationalHighways #TollConcession #TransportPolicy #HighwayDevelopment #GovtAnnouncement #TollCollection #InfrastructureGrowth #RoadSafety
