Government Revises Toll Norms for Partially Operational Expressways

Toll Collection Reform: Users to Pay Only for Completed Expressway Sections

The Centre has amended toll collection regulations to prevent commuters from paying full expressway charges on corridors that are not entirely operational. Under the revised framework, toll fees will now be levied exclusively on completed sections of National Expressways, applying rates equivalent to those of National Highways.

The amendments have been notified through changes to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 , and will come into force on February 15, 2026 .

Revised Toll Calculation Mechanism

As per the updated rules, if a National Expressway is not open end-to-end, users will be charged solely for the operational portion. Importantly, the toll applicable will correspond to National Highway rates , which are lower than expressway rates.

Previously, toll charges were often imposed for the entire notified length of an expressway, even when significant stretches remained under construction. This practice resulted in commuters paying premium expressway fees despite incomplete infrastructure.

Expressway vs National Highway Toll Rates

Currently, toll rates on National Expressways are set approximately 25 per cent higher than those on standard National Highways. This premium reflects features such as access-controlled design, higher speed limits, and uninterrupted traffic flow.

Under the amendment, the expressway premium will not apply to incomplete corridors. The reduced National Highway rate will remain valid for up to one year or until the expressway becomes fully operational, whichever occurs earlier.

Policy Rationale and Expected Outcomes

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways indicated that the reform aims to promote greater utilisation of completed expressway sections. Increased traffic diversion is expected to ease congestion on parallel National Highways, enhancing freight efficiency and potentially reducing emissions linked to traffic delays.

Exam-Focused Points

• Amendments made to National Highways Fee Rules, 2008

• Effective date: February 15, 2026

• Toll levied only on completed expressway sections

• Expressway toll rates ≈ 25% higher than NH rates

• Reduced toll valid for 1 year or full completion

• Expressways are access-controlled corridors