HomeLatestToll Charges Cut Up To 50 Percent On Highways With Elevated Structures

Toll Charges Cut Up To 50 Percent On Highways With Elevated Structures

The central government has introduced sweeping amendments to the National Highways Fee Rules, dramatically reducing toll charges on sections featuring engineered structures such as tunnels, bridges, flyovers and elevated lanes. Under the revised policy issued on 2 July 2025, toll rates on these structure‑heavy stretches will now be cut by up to 50 percent, offering tangible relief to commuters and freight operators alike.

Previously, toll calculations applied a multiplier of ten to each kilometre of structural length—a mechanism intended to recover the higher capital and maintenance costs typically associated with elevated infrastructure. Under the new framework, this principle has been reworked into a more equitable model. Toll will now be computed as the lower of:

  • Ten times the structural length plus the non‑structural road length, or

  • Five times the total length of the stretch, inclusive of structures.

For instance, a 40 km section comprised solely of tunnels would earlier attract toll charges based on 400 km of road usage. Under the updated rules, the charge is halved to reflect 200 km instead. A senior authority from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that the initiative aims to balance infrastructure cost recovery with commuter affordability. “This move will rationalise toll collection and provide immediate relief to highway users while maintaining infrastructure viability,” the official said.

Transport analysts have hailed the shift as both economically prudent and environmentally conscientious. By reducing toll‑induced cost pressures, the reform could encourage greater use of highways over longer but more congested non‑tolled routes—thereby decreasing fuel burn and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced highway utilisation aligns strongly with zero‑carbon and sustainable transport objectives. Notably, commercial vehicles stand to gain significantly. These vehicles already incur higher toll assessments, often magnified by multipliers. The new structure may notably ease freight costs, ultimately benefiting consumers and producers across supply chains.

The policy shift was first flagged in late June, with confirmation arriving in early July. A Times of India report indicated the change specifically aids highways where over half of the roadway is comprised of structural elements. Official MoRTH documents define ‘structure’ inclusively—covering tunnels, flyovers, elevated roads and independent bridges. The adjustment is applicable to both existing public toll plazas and future concession‑based projects, commencing from the next scheduled fee revision or upon commencement of operations.

Road engineers and policy specialists note that the structured approach balances the fiscal imperatives of infrastructure with road user equity. By capping the multiplier to five times, the toll burden—while still contributing to maintenance—is rendered fairer, especially on long elevated stretches where costs were previously skewed. As urban corridors increasingly rely on flyovers and tunnels to navigate congestion and preserve ecosystems, toll rationalisation could complement sustainable planning paradigms. Enhanced highway access may support modal shifts towards bus rapid transit and logistics consolidation, reducing urban traffic volumes and emissions.

Nonetheless, critical voices caution against reduced funding jeopardising maintenance budgets. Toll revenue has historically underwritten infrastructure upkeep. Officials stress that the revised mechanism retains sufficient funding by ensuring non-structural sections are still priced at standard rates while structural costs are met by the new formula. Analysts suggest the long-term success of this policy hinges on transparent reinvestment of toll revenues into highway upkeep and ecological safeguards—especially on elevated and marine corridor segments such as sea‑link bridges. Embedded within India’s national infrastructure vision, the updated fee framework may well serve as a model for other countries balancing megaproject finance and commuter affordability.

Going forward, MoRTH and NHAI are expected to issue detailed operational guidelines and data-led reviews benchmarking toll collection along structural highway segments. Milestone reporting could demonstrate cost impacts for different vehicle categories and travel profiles. While the change directly benefits motorists and transport companies, its downstream effects could include improved supply chain dynamics, enhanced public transport reliability, and reduced atmospheric emissions—contributing to equitable and climate‑smart mobility across urban and intercity corridors.

Also Read : Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Launches Rs 1290 Crore Drinking Water Project in Prakasam

Toll Charges Cut Up To 50 Percent On Highways With Elevated Structures
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