Toll Relief On Expressways: Commuters To Pay Lower Rates On Partially Opened Stretches

NEW DELHI — In a major move to make high-speed travel more economical, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified a significant amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules. Starting this Sunday, February 15, 2026, commuters using partially operational expressways will no longer have to pay the premium rates typically associated with these access-controlled corridors.

Under the newly notified National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2026, if an expressway is not fully operational from end-to-end, the toll for the completed sections will be charged at the standard National Highway (NH) rate, effectively removing the 25% surcharge currently levied on motorists.

1. The Core Change: Ending the “Expressway Premium”

Until now, the government charged a 1.25x (25% higher) toll on expressways compared to standard highways, justifying the cost by the “premium” experience of seamless, faster travel. However, many users—particularly heavy commercial vehicles—avoided partially opened stretches like the Delhi-Mumbai or Amritsar-Jamnagar expressways due to these high costs for incomplete routes.

• Current Status: 25% premium charged even on incomplete stretches.
• New Status (Feb 15): Premium waived; toll matched to standard NH rates until full completion.
• Duration: The lower rates will remain in effect for one year or until the expressway is fully operational, whichever comes first.

2. Why the Move Matters: Faster Logistics & Lower Pollution

The government’s decision isn’t just about saving commuters money; it is a strategic effort to optimize India’s road infrastructure.

• Decongesting Old Routes: By lowering tolls, the government hopes to pull traffic away from crowded, parallel National Highways and move them onto the underutilized, partially completed expressway sections.
• Economic Efficiency: Cheaper tolling for logistics operators means faster movement of goods at a lower cost, boosting the supply chain.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing bottlenecks on older, congested highways is expected to significantly lower vehicular emissions and local air pollution.

3. Toll Comparison: Before vs. After Feb 15

4. Major Corridors Set to Benefit

Several key projects currently in various stages of completion will see immediate price drops for users:

• Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Various sections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway: Portions in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Delhi-Katra Expressway: Operational sections in Haryana.