Govt Slashes Toll Charges by 70% on Two-Lane National Highways Under Widening Work
New Delhi, 27th January 2026: In a commuter-friendly move, the government has announced a substantial reduction in toll fees on two-lane national highways undergoing expansion, shaving charges by 70% during construction periods. The decision, aimed at reducing travel costs and public inconvenience, was formalised through an amendment to the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008.
Under the revised framework, motorists using two-lane highways — including those with paved shoulders — that are being widened to four lanes or larger configurations will now pay only 30% of the standard toll throughout the duration of the project. Until now, full tolls were levied even as roadworks caused delays and discomfort, prompting widespread criticism from road users.
According to officials, the concession takes effect from the commencement of construction and remains valid until the project’s completion, offering meaningful financial relief to daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Toll Concession Structure
Two-Lane to Four/Larger Lane Upgrade: Toll charges reduced to 30% of standard rates during ongoing works.
Four-Lane to Six/Eight-Lane Expansion: Vehicles to be charged 75% of regular toll (a 25% discount) while construction is underway.
Cost Recovery Provision: The existing rule permitting toll collection up to 40% after recovery of construction costs remains unchanged.
A formal government notification outlining the revised toll structure has been issued, and the new regime is expected to apply across both ongoing and upcoming highway widening projects.
Government data indicates that an estimated 25,000–30,000 km of two-lane national highways are slated for widening into four-lane corridors as part of a nationwide infrastructure push. These upgrades are projected to involve investments approaching ₹10 lakh crore.
Officials noted that improved highways are also vital for freight movement, which currently accounts for about 40% of highway traffic. Expanded corridors are expected to elevate freight’s share toward 80%, boosting logistics efficiency and raising average commercial vehicle speeds, which currently hover around 30–35 kmph on two-lane stretches.
The revised toll policy is expected to benefit millions of daily commuters, freight operators and long-distance travellers by lowering costs at points where construction activity typically slows traffic. Authorities described the move as a significant step toward a more commuter-centric tolling system, acknowledging hardships faced by motorists during prolonged construction phases.
With smoother journeys and reduced travel expenses, the government hopes the measure will enhance public satisfaction while advancing India’s broader transport modernisation goals.
