Indian motorists have reason to celebrate as the Government of India has slashed toll rates on National Highways by up to 50% for sections including bridges, tunnels, and flyovers. This significant policy change, announced on July 2, 2025, promises substantial savings for daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
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What’s Changed: The New Formula
The toll has been cut by up to 50% following a key amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a revised calculation method that dramatically reduces costs for highway sections featuring expensive infrastructure.
Before vs After: How It Works
| Previous System | New System | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 10x structure length | 5x structure length | Up to 50% |
| 40km tunnel = 400km toll | 40km tunnel = 200km toll | 50% reduction |
| Higher burden on complex infrastructure | Fair pricing for expensive structures | Significant relief |
Real-World Impact
For example, if an entire 40-kilometre highway stretch comprises only bridges or tunnels, the fee will now be based on 200 kilometres (5 x 40) instead of 400 kilometres (10 x 40), effectively reducing the toll burden by half.
This change particularly benefits travelers using highways with:
- Tunnels through mountainous terrain
- Elevated corridors in urban areas
- Major bridges spanning rivers and valleys
- Flyovers connecting city sections
Who Benefits Most
The reduction will significantly impact:
Daily Commuters: Those traveling on highways with elevated sections will see immediate savings in their monthly travel expenses.
Commercial Vehicles: Truckers and logistics companies using routes with bridges and tunnels will experience substantial cost reductions, potentially lowering goods transportation costs.
Tourism Industry: Popular tourist routes featuring scenic bridges and tunnels will become more affordable, boosting domestic tourism.
Implementation Details
The revised notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reduces the toll rate for stretches such as flyovers, underpasses and tunnels up to 50 per cent. The new formula applies to all National Highway sections where these structures form a significant portion of the route.
Economic Impact
This policy change addresses a long-standing concern about the high cost of using highways with expensive infrastructure. Under the earlier system, motorists were charged ten times the standard rate for every kilometer of bridges, tunnels, and flyovers.
The move is expected to:
- Reduce transportation costs for businesses
- Make highway travel more accessible to middle-class families
- Encourage greater use of National Highways
- Support economic growth through improved connectivity
For the latest updates on infrastructure and transportation policies, visit Technosports Infrastructure for comprehensive coverage of government initiatives affecting daily commuters.
Official Authority
This announcement comes directly from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, demonstrating the government’s commitment to making highway travel more affordable while maintaining infrastructure quality.
The timing of this announcement, just ahead of the monsoon season when many families plan road trips, couldn’t be better for Indian travelers.
Stay informed about the latest government policies and their impact on your daily life at Technosports for timely updates on infrastructure developments.
FAQs
Q: When will the new toll rates take effect?
A: The new toll rates are effective immediately following the notification issued on July 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. All fee plazas on National Highways with bridges, tunnels, flyovers, and elevated sections will implement the reduced rates.
Q: Which specific highways will have reduced toll rates?
A: The reduction applies to all National Highway sections that include structures like bridges, tunnels, flyovers, underpasses, and elevated corridors. The exact savings will depend on what percentage of the highway consists of these expensive structures – sections with more such infrastructure will see greater reductions, up to 50% in some cases.
