New NHAI Toll Formula Reduces Charges on Bridges, Tunnels, Flyovers
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
NHAI has directed field offices to implement a revised toll calculation formula under amended highway fee rules, reducing charges on national highways with bridges, tunnels, flyovers, and elevated stretches. This follows the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' July 1 amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
Background
Earlier, toll for stretches with such structures was generally linked to 10 times the length of the structure, accounting for higher construction and maintenance costs, with no upper limit.
Key facts
NHAI issued directions on July 24, 2026, to process toll notifications under the revised formula.
The amendment was made to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
Toll is calculated as the lower of: (10 × length of structures) + remaining highway length, OR 5 × total highway length.
Structures measuring 60 metres or less are not treated separately.
The revised formula applies to stretches with one or more independent bridges, tunnels, flyovers, or elevated highways.
Example: On a 40-km section with 30 km structures, chargeable length is 200 km (lower than 310 km).
Example: On a 40-km section with 10 km structures, chargeable length is 130 km (lower than 200 km).
The amendment places a ceiling on chargeable distance by adopting the lower of the two calculations.
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
- Toll formula: min(10×structure length + remaining length, 5×total length)
- Exemption: structures ≤60 metres
Mains angles
- GS3 Infrastructure: Discuss the impact of revised toll formula on highway usage and cost efficiency.
- GS2 Government Policies: Critically examine the rationale behind the amendment and its implications for public welfare.
- GS3 Economy: Analyze the effect on NHAI revenue and private investment in highway projects.