Govt Slashes Toll Rates by Up to 50% on Highways with Tunnels, Bridges, Elevated Stretches

NDC DESK

New Delhi, July 5 : In a major relief for commuters, the government has announced a reduction of up to 50% in toll charges on select stretches of National Highways that feature structures such as tunnels, bridges, flyovers, or elevated roads.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 2, 2025, a revised formula has been introduced to calculate user fees for these specific highway segments. The amendment modifies the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

As per the new formula, toll charges for highway stretches containing structures will now be calculated based on the lesser of the two values:

—Ten times the length of the structure(s) plus the remaining stretch (excluding the structure), or

— Five times the total length of the section.

This recalibration can significantly reduce toll charges for motorists. For instance, if a 40-kilometre highway section consists entirely of a structure such as a tunnel or flyover, the toll would now be computed based on 200 kilometres (five times the total length), instead of 400 kilometres (ten times the structure length), effectively halving the fee.

The term ‘structure’ in this context refers to any independent tunnel, bridge, flyover, or elevated highway.

A senior official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) explained that the earlier toll formula was intended to offset the higher construction and maintenance costs associated with such complex infrastructure. However, the revised policy aims to strike a better balance between cost recovery and affordability for road users.

“The updated method will result in lower toll fees for elevated corridors and structures, benefiting daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike”, the official added.

User charges at highway toll plazas are governed by the NH Fee Rules, and the latest amendment reflects the ministry’s ongoing efforts to make road travel more economical and efficient.