The government has today announced a cut in toll charges on highways and expressways where elevated structures—such as flyovers, underpasses or tunnels—constitute over half of the route. This decision halves the existing rate and caps tolls at five times the base tariff, marking a significant step towards equitable and eco‑friendly urban mobility.
Recognising that infrastructure‑dense corridors demand higher initial investment and maintenance costs, the policy cuts rates previously set at up to ten times the base toll. Under the new norm, motorists on structured stretches will now pay only five times the normal charge—translating to meaningful savings, especially on long urban routes. For instance, drivers on Delhi’s Dwarka Expressway—spanning 28.5 km with roughly 21 km of elevated roadway—currently pay around ₹317 for a one‑way journey. Post‑reform, this toll would be slashed to approximately ₹153, effectively halving user costs.
This change reflects a broader rethink of national road‑policy objectives: easing cost burdens on commuters, encouraging highway usage, and supporting sustainable urban growth. The revised rates are expected to provide greater benefits to commercial vehicle operators, who transport the bulk of freight and incur high toll expenditures. Coupled with annual toll hikes linked to inflation—between 4–5% from April 2025—the cap on structured sections ensures commuters gain immediate relief without undermining revenue models relying on infrastructure investment.
From an urban planning standpoint, the reform supports a vision of equitable transport by making high‑cost corridors more accessible. It aligns with goals for zero‑carbon, sustainable, and gender‑neutral cities by smoothing access to advanced road networks, and indirectly reducing reliance on polluting inner‑city roads. Critics have long argued that steep tolls discourage efficient route choice, pushing vehicles into congested city arteries and increasing urban emissions. By lowering these barriers, the policy may reduce overall carbon output and alleviate inner‑city density.
Despite the clear commuter advantages, questions remain about toll revenue sustainability. However, the government emphasises that the reduced cap still covers maintenance and debt servicing for these infrastructure‑intensive roads. Moreover, the move could stimulate greater overall usage, offsetting unit cost reductions. This policy is expected to be codified in the National Highways Fee Rules shortly, with formal notification anticipated within days.
The toll adjustment offers immediate financial relief, particularly for logistics and heavy‑vehicle fleets vital to trade. It also provides a template for more inclusive infrastructure policy by linking cost structures to actual user burden, rather than a flat‑fee model. As urban India expands its elevated corridors to bypass congested regions, this toll reform sets a precedent: infrastructure development beyond ground level need not become prohibitive for everyday commuters. It signals a policy shift that privileges equitable access, sustainable travel, and efficient road usage—key pillars of an eco‑friendly, future‑ready urban landscape.
The government’s decision to halve tolls on elevated roadways underlines a commitment to equitable transport and reduced urban emissions. While operational and revenue implications merit close monitoring, the move serves the larger public interest—supporting both sustainable mobility and fair access in India’s rapidly modernising urban centres.
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