Good News! No Full Toll Fee On Partially Open National Expressways From February 15; Govt Amends Rules

Toll Rules On For Expressways Amended: In a significant move that can bring some relief to expressway commuters, the government made amendments in the national highways fee rules, lowering toll fees for the users of partially operational National Expressways. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the new rules will come into effect from February 15.

The statement informed that the changes were notified based on an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

No Full Toll On Partly Operational Expressways

The Ministry stated that under this change, if a National Expressway is not opened from start to end, tolls will be charged at the lower rate applicable to National Highways for the entire length.

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Currently, user charges on National Expressways are 25 per cent higher than regular National Highway user charges because they offer an access-controlled, fast, and seamless travel experience, ensuring a comfortable journey for commuters.

This fee is charged for the completed section, even if the expressway is not fully open throughout its entire length. With the new amended rules coming into effect, if a National Expressway is not opened from start to end, tolls will be charged at the lower rate applicable to the National Highway section under the National Highway Toll (Fixation of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, the ministry noted.

New Rules Will Be In Effect For A Year

This change was made to promote the use of National Highways by encouraging users to travel on the open lanes. This will reduce congestion on the national highway parallel to the expressway, speed up traffic and passenger movement, and reduce pollution caused by traffic congestion on the old national highway.

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This rule will be in effect for one year from the date of commencement of the change or until the expressway is fully operational, whichever is earlier.

(With Inputs From PTI)