Spelling relief for commuters, the government on Thursday amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, to revise toll charges on national expressways that are not fully operational.
The reduced tolls, enabling economical and practical commute for those travelling on partially completed expressway stretches, will come into effect from February 15.
What has changed?
Commuters travelling on operational sections of national expressways pay nearly 25% extra toll than the normal national highway rate, even if the expressway is not fully open from end to end.
The premium fee is charged as expressways are access-controlled stretches, designed for faster and smoother travel.
However, as per the new amended rules, if the expressway is only partially operational, a lower toll fee will now be charged, at the same rate that is applicable to regular completed stretches of national highways.
Rationale behind reduced toll rates
The amendment is mainly intended at encouraging commuters and transporters to utilise the existing operational stretches of under-construction expressways.
This will reportedly help in diverting traffic congestion on parallel highways, reducing travel time and also improving logistics movement. It is also expected to reduce pollution caused due to bottlenecks. The government is also hoping that more commuters utilise the already ready infrastructure, rather than high toll rates proving a deterrent.
Till when will this remain applicable?
As per the official notification, the revised toll rates will remain in effect for up to one year from the date the amendment comes into effect, or until the expressway is fully operational, whichever happens earlier.
Once the entire expressway corridor is opened, the regular expressway toll rates may be restored.
How will it benefit regular commuters?
Officials say the decision will benefit daily commuters, long-distance travellers, and the logistics sector, particularly on major projects such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and other upcoming corridors where construction is still underway.
Also Read: Toll Rates To Go Down: Govt To Lower Fees On Partially Open Expressways From Feb 15
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