NHAI's New Toll Formula to Reduce Charges on Highways with Bridges, Tunnels
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
NHAI has directed field offices to process toll revisions under a new formula that reduces tolls on highway stretches with bridges, tunnels, flyovers, or elevated highways. This follows a July 1 amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, aimed at lowering user fees.
Background
Earlier, toll for such stretches was generally linked to ten times the length of the structure to account for higher construction and maintenance costs. The new formula caps the chargeable distance by using the lower of two calculations.
Key facts
Revised formula applies to highway stretches with one or more independent bridges, tunnels, flyovers, or elevated highways.
Toll is calculated by adding 10 times the length of such structures to the remaining highway section length, or 5 times the total highway section length, whichever is lower.
Structures measuring 60 metres or less are not treated separately.
Example: On a 40-km section with 30 km structures and 10 km ordinary road, chargeable length is 200 km (lower of 10*30+10=310 and 5*40=200).
Example: On a 40-km section with 10 km structures and 30 km ordinary road, chargeable length is 130 km (lower of 10*10+30=130 and 5*40=200).
The amendment places a ceiling on chargeable distance by adopting the lower of the two prescribed calculations.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 on July 1, 2026.
Prelims pointers
- NHAI: National Highways Authority of India
- National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Amendment date: July 1, 2026
- Structures exempt: 60 metres or less
Mains angles
- GS3: Infrastructure – Discuss the impact of toll rationalization on highway usage and logistics costs.
- GS3: Government Policies – Evaluate the effectiveness of NHAI's toll pricing mechanism in balancing user affordability and project viability.