In a significant move aimed at enhancing the commuting experience on India’s extensive national highway network, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is formulating a uniform toll policy. This initiative, spearheaded by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeks to address the longstanding concerns of commuters regarding inconsistent toll charges and subpar road conditions.

Uniform Toll Policy

The announcement of the uniform toll policy comes in response to widespread discontent among highway users. Many commuters have expressed frustration over the disparity in toll charges across different regions and the quality of services provided. Minister Gadkari acknowledged these grievances, stating, “We are working on a uniform toll policy that will address the issues faced by commuters.”

A cornerstone of this new policy is the adoption of a barrier-less Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system. This advanced technology aims to streamline toll collection, reducing congestion at toll plazas and ensuring a seamless travel experience. The GNSS-based system will allow for real-time tracking and automated toll deductions, thereby minimizing human intervention and errors.

How Much Tax does India pays on Tolls?

As of the 2023-24 fiscal year, India’s toll collection reached ₹64,809.86 crore, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. Despite private cars accounting for approximately 60% of highway traffic, their contribution to toll revenue stands at a modest 20-26%. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more balanced and equitable tolling system, which the upcoming policy aims to establish.

The uniform toll policy is part of a broader strategy by the government to modernize and expand the country’s infrastructure. Minister Gadkari emphasized that India’s highway infrastructure now rivals that of the United States, reflecting the significant investments and developments undertaken in recent years. The ministry is also focusing on expediting highway construction, with around 7,000 km of highways constructed in the current financial year alone.

The introduction of a uniform toll policy signifies a pivotal step towards creating a more efficient and user-friendly national highway system. By leveraging advanced technologies like GNSS and addressing commuter concerns, the government aims to enhance the overall travel experience, reduce congestion, and promote equitable tolling practices. As these initiatives unfold, commuters can anticipate a more streamlined and pleasant journey across India’s vast network of national highways.