Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a revised toll policy aimed at making toll collection more consumer-friendly while ensuring continued funding for road infrastructure. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he emphasized the necessity of tolls for maintaining high-quality roads but acknowledged public concerns over toll plaza placement and excessive charges. The government is currently investing Rs 3 lakh crore in highway and bridge construction in Assam, including major four-lane and six-lane projects over the Brahmaputra River. With India’s toll revenue surging from Rs 27,503 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 64,809.86 crore in 2023-24, the upcoming policy will focus on a fairer, more transparent toll collection system to improve the overall experience for commuters.
India’s New Toll Policy (2024)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll Passes | Monthly & annual passes for private vehicles, reducing costs for frequent commuters in metro cities. Available online. |
| GNSS-Based Tolling | Revenue rose from ₹27,503 Cr (2019-20) to ₹64,809.86 Cr (2023-24). The policy aims to balance charges with road funding. |
| Toll Plaza Placement | New policy to address exceptions in the 60 km toll plaza rule under the National Highways Fee Rules (2008). |
| Fair & Transparent Tolling | Revenue rose from ₹27,503 Cr (2019-20) to ₹64,809.86 Cr (2023-24). Policy aims to balance charges with road funding. |
Gadkari Reveals Plan for New Toll Policy
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced plans for a new toll policy designed to provide reasonable concessions to consumers. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he emphasized the necessity of toll charges for funding India’s growing road infrastructure while ensuring a more consumer-friendly approach. The government aims to address concerns over toll placement and affordability, with the upcoming policy expected to bring significant improvements.
Gadkari emphasized that the upcoming toll policy will strike a balance between infrastructure development and public convenience. The government aims to introduce measures that ensure transparency in toll collection and reduce unnecessary financial burdens on commuters. He assured that the revised policy would address concerns regarding toll plazas located too close to each other and provide relief to regular highway users. Additionally, the minister highlighted that advancements in technology, such as GPS-based tolling systems, are being considered to make toll collection more seamless and equitable. The government remains committed to building world-class road infrastructure while ensuring that the toll system remains fair and reasonable for all.
GNSS-Based Tolling and Policy Enhancements
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is set to replace traditional toll booths, introducing a seamless, distance-based tolling system. This advanced technology will eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, significantly reducing traffic congestion and travel time. The toll amount will be automatically deducted from a linked account, functioning similarly to the FastTag system but without physical barriers, making highway travel smoother and more efficient.
Addressing Toll Plaza Placement Concerns
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the National Highways Fee Rules (2008), which prohibit toll plazas from being located within 60 kilometers of the same highway section. While some exceptions exist, the government aims to resolve these issues with the new toll policy, ensuring fairer placement of toll collection points and reducing unnecessary toll burdens on commuters.
Ensuring Fair and Transparent Tolling
With toll revenue surging from ₹27,503 crore in 2019-20 to ₹64,809.86 crore in 2023-24, the government remains focused on balancing infrastructure funding with consumer relief. The upcoming policy aims to eliminate unfair toll charges while ensuring continued funding for road maintenance and new highway projects, ultimately creating a more efficient and equitable toll collection system for all road users.
Environmental Benefits of the New Toll Policy
The implementation of the GNSS-based toll system is anticipated to result in substantial environmental benefits by decreasing vehicle idling and congestion at toll plazas. The elimination of conventional toll booths enables vehicles to operate efficiently without frequent pauses, resulting in reduced carbon emissions. This is a critical factor in the enhancement of air quality, particularly in urban areas.
Furthermore, improved traffic flow will result in reduced petroleum consumption, thereby improving the efficiency and environmental friendliness of highway travel. Smoother and higher-quality roads will contribute to a reduction in vehicle wear and tear, thereby further reducing petroleum wastage and carbon footprints, as the policy encourages infrastructure upgrades and road maintenance. Ultimately, this toll system that has been modernized promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new toll policy benefit the environment?
The GNSS-based system reduces vehicle idling and congestion, lowering carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Better roads also minimize wear and tear, promoting sustainability.
What major infrastructure projects are planned in Assam?
The government is investing ₹3 lakh crore in highway and bridge construction, including four-lane and six-lane projects over the Brahmaputra River.
How is India’s toll revenue impacting the new policy?
With toll revenue rising from ₹27,503 crore (2019-20) to ₹64,809.86 crore (2023-24), the new policy aims to ensure fairer and more transparent toll collection for commuters.
