Toll on national highways with bridges, tunnels cut by up to 50%
The revised notfication issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reduces the toll rate for stretches such as flyovers,and tunnels up to 50 per cent
The government has announced a significant reduction in toll rates, up to 50 per cent, on sections of National Highways featuring major structures such as tunnels, bridges, flyovers, and elevated corridors.
The reform is expected to lower the overall travelling cost on key highway stretches. (Representataional image/HT)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, introducing a revised formula for calculating toll charges. The changes were officially notified on July 2, 2025.
According to the new rules, the toll rate on such structured highway stretches will now be determined based on a lesser of two values:
Ten times the length of the structure(s) added to the rest of the highway section (excluding the structures), or
Five times the total length of the section, including the structure(s).
"'Structure' means an independent bridge, tunnel, flyover or elevated highway," the notification clarified.
To illustrate, the ministry cited an example where a 40-kilometer highway section comprises entirely of structural elements. Under the old system, toll would be charged for 400 kilometers (10 x 40 km). Under the new formula, the toll would instead be calculated on 200 kilometers (5 x 40 km), effectively halving the cost for commuters.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Currently, motorists are charged at a rate ten times higher than normal for every kilometre of structure, due to the elevated construction and maintenance costs associated with these complex infrastructures.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Currently, motorists are charged at a rate ten times higher than normal for every kilometre of structure, due to the elevated construction and maintenance costs associated with these complex infrastructures.
{{/usCountry}}
A senior official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed the revision, stating, “This move is designed to rationalize toll collection and provide relief to road users while maintaining a balance between infrastructure cost recovery and affordability.”
The reform is expected to lower the overall travelling cost on key highway stretches that feature significant structural elements and encourage greater usage of the national highway network.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Toll on national highways with bridges, tunnels cut by up to 50%
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
