Good news for expressway travellers: No full toll without a full road, major change in toll tax rules

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The central government has announced major relief for millions of passengers travelling long distances on expressways across the country. Under the new rule, travellers will no longer have to pay high toll charges on incomplete or partially operational expressways. The government has decided that until an expressway becomes fully operational from start to end, toll will be charged only at normal National Highway rates, not at premium expressway rates. This new rule will come into effect nationwide from 15 February 2026, that is, this Sunday.

Toll to be charged at national highway rates

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the National Highway Fee (Determination and Collection) Rules, 2008. With this change, arbitrary toll collection by concessionaires will be curbed. As per the new arrangement, if an expressway is not fully constructed and is opened to the public in phases or partial stretches, premium expressway toll rates cannot be charged. Travellers will have to pay toll only for the operational portion they actually use, and that too at the lower National Highway rates. Earlier, in many places, users were charged full expressway toll despite incomplete facilities, leading to frequent complaints.

Relief from traffic jams, transporters to benefit

This decision is also expected to improve traffic management. With lower toll rates, motorists are likely to prefer the operational stretches of new expressways instead of congested older routes. This will reduce pressure on parallel National Highways and help ease traffic jams. The transport and logistics sectors will also benefit, as faster movement of trucks and cargo vehicles will ensure timely deliveries. Reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions are additional advantages.

New system to take effect from Sunday

The amended rule will be implemented from 15 February 2026. After this, all under-construction or partially opened expressways across the country will follow the new, cheaper toll rates. The government said this step aims to make travel on National Highways and expressways more affordable and convenient, while reducing the financial burden on common citizens.