Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 15: The central government has revised toll charges on National Highways (NH) across India, effective February 15, following amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH).

Under the new rules, toll on National Expressways that are not operational end-to-end will now be levied only on the completed stretches, and at the lower rate applicable to regular National Highways.

“For users of National Expressways that are only partially operational, the Government of India has notified an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008,” the MoRTH stated.

Currently, tolls on National Expressways are charged 25% higher than regular NHs for the completed stretches, as these access-controlled corridors offer faster, seamless and more comfortable travel. This higher fee has been applied even if the expressway is not fully open end-to-end.

However, under the revised provision, partially operational expressways will now charge toll only for the completed length at the lower National Highway rate, as specified in the 2008 rules.

The MoRTH added: “The amendment is aimed at promoting use of the National Expressways, encouraging users to travel through the opened stretches. This will help decongest parallel National Highway routes, enable faster movement of logistics and passengers, and reduce pollution caused by traffic congestion on older NH sections.”

The new rule will remain in effect for up to one year from the date of the amendment, or until the expressway becomes fully operational, whichever is earlier.