The Indian government has announced a major decision that will benefit highway commuters. It has reduced toll rates by up to 50 percent on sections of National Highways that have large structures such as tunnels, bridges, flyovers, and elevated corridors. This change comes after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The revised toll calculation formula was officially notified on July 2, 2025.

New Toll Formula to Lower Costs

According to the new rules, toll charges for highways with structural components will now follow a simplified method. Authorities will choose the lower of two values to calculate the toll:

1. Ten times the total length of the structures plus the remaining section (excluding structures), or

2. Five times the total length of the section, including all structures.

This formula replaces the earlier system, where toll was charged at a higher rate based solely on the expensive construction of such structures.

Clear Definition of Structures

The ministry explained that the term ‘structure’ refers to independent elements like bridges, tunnels, flyovers, or elevated highways. These structures usually demand higher tolls due to their complex construction and maintenance costs. However, the new formula brings much-needed relief to commuters using these costly stretches.

Cost Cut Example Shows Big Savings

To show how the change works, MoRTH gave an example. Suppose a 40-kilometre highway section is made entirely of structural elements. Under the old system, commuters would pay a toll for 400 km (10 times the length). Under the new system, the toll would be calculated on 200 km (5 times the length). This leads to a 50 percent reduction in toll charges for that route.

Current Rates Were Much Higher

Until now, highway users had to pay ten times the regular toll for every kilometre of structure. This made travel expensive, especially on routes with several flyovers, tunnels, or bridges. The new formula aims to strike a balance between recovering construction costs and making tolls affordable for the public.

NHAI Confirms Policy Shift

A senior official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed the revision. The official stated,
“This move is designed to rationalize toll collection and provide relief to road users while maintaining a balance between infrastructure cost recovery and affordability.” This step shows the government’s commitment to making road travel smoother and less expensive, especially on key national routes.

Better Connectivity at Lower Costs

Moreover, the reform is expected to improve highway usage. By lowering travel costs, the government hopes to encourage more people to use the National Highway network. This move could also help boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between states.