Revolutionizing Toll Charges on National Highways

The Modi government is on the brink of introducing a transformative policy aimed at reducing toll charges for regular users of national highways. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled plans for a new toll charge policy, promising reasonable concessions to frequent travelers.

Under the proposed policy, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is developing annual and lifetime toll charges. The suggested rates are Rs 3000 annually and Rs 30,000 for a 15-year period as a single payment. This initiative is designed to secure consistent government revenue while enhancing travel efficiency at toll plazas.

Exploring Satellite-Based Tolling

In response to queries in the Rajya Sabha, Minister Gadkari highlighted ongoing discussions around satellite-based tolling. The focus is on addressing security, privacy, breach risks, and operational control. The development of additional satellite networks and receiver technology is crucial for the accurate positioning required by the NavIC system.

Expert committees have recommended corridor-based projects utilizing automatic number plate recognition FASTag systems for barrier-less tolling, aiming to streamline the toll collection process further.

Looking Ahead

The new toll policy is expected to resolve existing issues, offering fair concessions to users and putting an end to related debates. With total toll collection reaching Rs 64,809.86 crore in 2023-24, marking a 35% increase from the previous year, the emphasis on investing in good roads remains a priority. As Gadkari succinctly put it, "When you want a good road, you have to pay for it."