Toll Rule Change : Half Toll on Incomplete Expressway; New Rules Effective from February 15

Passengers were consistently expressing dissatisfaction about the full toll being collected on the partially completed expressway. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Road Transport has made an important decision and introduced significant changes to the toll collection rules. From February 15, 2026, a lower toll rate will be charged from vehicle owners on expressways that are partially or not fully operational. According to the new rule, until an expressway is 'end-to-end' operational, meaning fully operational from one end to the other, expressway rates will not be applied on that route. Instead, toll will be collected at the rate of the national highway on the respective route. This will provide direct financial relief to passengers.

The method so far was that even if a part of the expressway was opened, full expressway rates were charged at that stage. However, due to ongoing roadworks in many places, there were obstacles, traffic jams, and wastage of time during travel. Still, vehicle owners had to pay the full toll. Due to this decision, travelers will not be unjustly treated in such situations now.

The government has implemented this decision by making necessary amendments to the 'National Highway Fee Rules, 2008'. The revised rules will come into effect from February 15, 2026, and the concessional rates will remain applicable until the expressway is fully operational or at least for one year. The ministry has clarified that the objective behind this decision is to reduce traffic congestion and increase the use of partially opened routes. Often, while there is excess traffic on old highways, drivers avoid using the new expressway due to its incomplete state. The government believes that lower toll rates will encourage vehicle owners to use the alternative route.

Vehicle owners and passenger organizations have welcomed this decision. According to them, this decision is in the interest of passengers and justifies the principle of 'as much service, as much fee'. This will save both time and money for passengers, making travel more convenient. Overall, this change in toll collection rules will provide great relief to vehicle owners. The practice of charging full tolls on incomplete works will now be stopped, and a transparent and fair system will be implemented.