India Proposes Halving Highway Tolls During Expansion Works
India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is proposing a significant reduction in toll fees during highway expansion projects, potentially halving charges for commuters. This move, aimed at rationalising costs during construction, coincides with a temporary suspension of toll collection on a key section of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway due to ongoing repairs. These initiatives underscore a national commitment to enhancing commuter convenience and maintaining infrastructure quality.
The Ministary of Road Transport and Highways has put forward a proposal to reduce toll fees by 50 percent on 10-metre-wide two-lane highways with paved shoulders when they undergo expansion into four-lane thoroughfares. Currently, users on such stretches are charged 60 percent of the standard toll even during the construction phase. If approved by the finance ministry, this rate would be slashed to 30 percent, acknowledging the reduced road width and compromised services available to users during these periods. This policy adjustment seeks to align user charges more equitably with the quality of service provided. This latest proposal gains significant relevance in light of the Transport Minister’s ambitious announcement to convert 25,000 kilometres of two-lane national highways into four-lane highways within two years, representing an estimated investment of ₹10 lakh crore. This massive infrastructure push, prioritised for the next decade, aims to modernise a substantial portion of India’s 1.46 lakh kilometres of national highways, currently comprising approximately 80,000 kilometres of two-lane or two-lane with paved shoulders. The proposed toll reduction is a crucial step in ensuring public support and mitigating inconvenience during this extensive upgrade.
Concurrently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has temporarily suspended toll collection on a 28.71-kilometre stretch of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway (NH-754K). This suspension, effective from July 15, is due to essential repair work underway on Package-4 of the Sanchore-Santalpur section. This vital segment of the Bharatmala Pariyojana plays a strategic role in improving inter-state connectivity and enhancing access to major ports like Jamnagar, Kandla, and Mundra, thereby strengthening India’s international trade logistics and reducing freight movement times. The toll halt ensures commuter safety and convenience during the rectification period. This proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance is further reinforced by directives from the Gujarat administration. The Chief Minister of Gujarat recently mandated priority repairs for all highways, as well as rural and urban roads, damaged by monsoon rainfall. This directive emphasised that repair work should not be delayed by ongoing rains and must continue even on holidays, with contractors held accountable for damages occurring within the Defect Liability Period. This commitment to continuous upkeep and quality assurance is vital for resilient road networks.
These policy initiatives and operational measures collectively reflect a concerted effort towards building more sustainable and equitable urban and regional ecosystems. By rationalising toll charges, ensuring timely repairs, and investing in modern infrastructure, the government aims to enhance mobility, reduce fuel consumption, and provide safer, more efficient travel options for all citizens. This focus on long-term infrastructure health is crucial for fostering zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities, promoting inclusive economic growth.
