The Delhi High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to put on hold its recent circular revising the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) linking factor used for toll rate computation. The September 13, 2025 circular proposed lowering the WPI factor from 1.641 to 1.561 for both public-funded and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) highway projects. The court directed NHAI to reconsider the proposal, taking into account feedback from petitioners and other stakeholders.
This interim decision follows writ petitions filed by the Highway Operators Association and other parties, highlighting concerns over potential financial impacts on highway operators and users. Officials noted that the proposed revision could have reduced toll revenue while altering long-term project viability for BOT concessionaires.Infrastructure experts emphasised that WPI linking factors are critical in ensuring that toll rates reflect macroeconomic shifts and construction cost variations. Adjustments to the WPI factor affect how tolls are recalibrated periodically, influencing both operator returns and commuter expenses.
By suspending the circular, the court has temporarily safeguarded highway operators from sudden revenue changes while NHAI re-evaluates the methodology.The court’s directive underscores the importance of inclusive policy-making in India’s highway sector, where regulatory adjustments intersect with economic sustainability and public interest. Highway officials indicated that a structured review process would be initiated, inviting feedback from concessionaires, trade associations, and economic experts before finalising any WPI-related revision.
For commuters, the ruling provides immediate relief, delaying any potential toll hikes resulting from the revised formula. Analysts say the decision also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining infrastructure financing and ensuring fair public charges in the rapidly expanding national highway network.
The development demonstrates how legal interventions are shaping policy execution in India’s infrastructure sector. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the process, recognising that the eventual outcome will set a precedent for how macroeconomic indices are applied to large-scale infrastructure financing.As the country continues to expand its road and highway networks, decisions like this reflect the increasing scrutiny over financial modelling, public accountability, and regulatory transparency in infrastructure governance. The NHAI is expected to publish a revised circular after the consultations are complete, ensuring that both operators’ interests and commuter affordability are considered.
Delhi High Court Halts NHAI Toll Revision Circular Nationwide Immediately
