Government Revises Toll Rules: Incomplete Expressways Cannot Charge 25% Higher Toll

New Delhi: In a significant relief for commuters, the Government of India has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, introducing a new regulation that prevents incomplete national expressways from charging the full premium toll rate.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that National Expressways (access-controlled corridors) are generally permitted to charge toll rates that are 25% higher than those applicable on National Highways, as they offer faster, smoother and more efficient travel.

However, under the newly amended rules, if a national expressway is not fully constructed from start to end, toll will no longer be collected at the higher expressway rate.

25% Discount on Toll Until Expressway is Fully Operational

According to the revised policy, when only a portion of an expressway has been completed and opened for public use, commuters will be charged toll as per National Highway rates—meaning they will pay 25% less than the standard expressway toll.

The government stated that the earlier practice of charging the full expressway toll premium, even on partially constructed stretches, will now be discontinued.

New Rule Effective from February 15

The amendment, officially titled “National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Amendment) Rules, 2026,” will come into force across the country from February 15, 2026.

The ministry further noted that this concession will remain applicable for up to one year from the date of implementation, or until the expressway becomes fully operational—whichever comes earlier.

Purpose: Encourage Use and Reduce Congestion

Officials explained that the decision has been taken with multiple objectives in mind, including:

• Encouraging greater use of completed sections of national expressways
• Reducing traffic load on parallel old national highways
• Improving logistics and faster movement of passengers and goods
• Minimising pollution caused by traffic congestion and long jams

The government believes that the new rule will ensure fairness in toll collection while also supporting smoother traffic management and faster infrastructure adoption.

This policy shift is expected to provide immediate financial relief to travellers and transport operators using partially completed expressways across India.