Govt to announce new toll policy soon will give reasonable concession to consumers: Gadkari
By Tajdar H Zaidi
The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Wednesday that the government is preparing to introduce a new policy regarding toll charges on national highways. This policy aims to provide consumers with reasonable concessions while ensuring the continued development and maintenance of road infrastructure in the country.
Addressing queries in the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari emphasized the significant investments being made by the government in constructing and upgrading road infrastructure across India. He underlined the necessity of toll charges, stating that they are crucial for funding the ambitious road development projects undertaken by the government. “It is the policy of the department that when you want a good road, you have to pay for it,” he remarked, justifying the user-pay model adopted for national highways.
The minister highlighted that the government has planned an expenditure of approximately ₹3 lakh crore in Assam alone to enhance the state’s road network. He elaborated on various ongoing and upcoming projects, including the construction of large roads with four-lane and six-lane configurations, as well as the building of multiple bridges over the Brahmaputra River. He explained that raising funds from the market is essential to support such large-scale infrastructure projects, making toll collections indispensable. However, he assured the public that tolls are charged selectively, applying only to four-lane highways and not to roads with two-lane paved shoulders, thereby balancing revenue generation with public convenience.
Gadkari also addressed concerns regarding the location of toll plazas, citing the provisions outlined in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. As per these regulations, toll plazas cannot be established within a 60-kilometer stretch of the same national highway and in the same direction, barring certain exceptions. Acknowledging issues raised by commuters regarding toll collection, he assured that the upcoming policy revision would resolve such concerns. “After this session, we are going to declare a new policy for toll collection that will address existing problems and offer reasonable concessions to consumers. This will put an end to debates and discussions surrounding toll charges,” he stated confidently.
The minister also provided insight into the financial impact of toll collection in India. The total toll revenue collected in the fiscal year 2023-24 reached an impressive ₹64,809.86 crore, marking a substantial 35% increase from the previous year. Comparatively, the total toll revenue stood at ₹27,503 crore in 2019-20, illustrating a significant rise over the years as road infrastructure expanded and improved.
With the upcoming policy changes, the government aims to strike a balance between generating funds for national highway projects and ensuring fairness for road users. By implementing reasonable toll concessions, authorities seek to address public grievances while maintaining a robust road network that supports economic growth and seamless transportation across the country.
