The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a major rollback in toll charges on highway stretches dominated by elevated structures, such as flyovers, underpasses and tunnels. Where over 50% of a road segment consists of such infrastructure, tolls will now be halved and capped at five times the base rate—down from the previous 10 times multiplier.
Currently, Indian regulations permit toll rates up to tenfold for these complex sections, reflecting elevated construction and maintenance expenses. Under the new norms, however, elevated-burdened stretches—commonly found on urban bypasses and expressways—will benefit from steep reductions. For instance, the Dwarka Expressway, spanning 28.5 km with 21 km on elevated structures, currently costs ₹317 for cars. That toll will now drop to approximately ₹153. The policy shift aims to provide immediate financial relief to road users—especially freight and heavy vehicle operators, who face disproportionate costs on structural corridors. The reduction also aligns with the government’s broader road reform agenda seeking to ease commuter burdens and stimulate the use of less congested routes.
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has been spearheading efforts to standardise tolling practices across national highways. Earlier this year, he announced the exploration of uniform toll policies and annual FASTag passes to simplify and reduce costs for frequent users. This new toll cap is expected to encourage greater utilisation of elevated infrastructure—built to reduce urban surface congestion and support seamless intercity travel—making these worthwhile investments for the travelling public rather than cost-prohibitive. It also helps divert vehicles from crowded city arteries, contributing to a greener urban environment with lower emissions.
While private car users may see limited benefit—especially those on annual toll passes—the reprieve will significantly help commercial fleets and logistics operators. The decision could bolster long-distance corridor viability and ease last-mile connectivity costs. A formal notification is expected in the coming days, and the revised rules will be implemented after due legal enactment. The move underscores the government’s objective of making infrastructure development more inclusive and commuter-friendly.
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