Commuters who regularly use highways and bypasses with a significant number of structures such as flyovers, underpasses, and tunnels are set to benefit from a new government decision. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a measure to halve the toll rates for highway stretches where structures account for more than 50% of their length. Furthermore, the revised toll will be capped at five times the normal toll rate.
This decision marks a significant change from the existing norm, where the toll for such stretches was a steep ten times the standard rate. The new rule, expected to be notified in the coming days, aims to provide substantial relief to commuters, especially those frequently traveling between neighboring cities or using ring roads and bypasses constructed by the central government in urban areas. These routes typically incorporate a higher proportion of structural elements.
To illustrate the impact of the revised toll rates, officials provided an example using the Dwarka Expressway in Delhi. Currently, a one-way car trip on the 28.5-kilometer stretch, which includes 21 kilometers of structures, costs approximately ₹317. This is calculated based on ₹306 for the structural portion and ₹11 for the remaining 7 kilometers. Under the new regulations, the toll for the same trip would be reduced to around ₹153, effectively less than half the current cost.
While the change in rules may not significantly impact private car users who opt for annual toll pass schemes, it is expected to greatly benefit commercial and heavy vehicles. These vehicles typically incur higher toll charges due to their size and frequency of use. The reduced rates will translate to substantial savings for businesses and logistics companies, potentially leading to lower transportation costs and increased efficiency.
The decision to reduce toll rates reflects the government's commitment to providing affordable and efficient transportation infrastructure. By easing the financial burden on commuters and businesses, the new policy is expected to promote greater highway usage and contribute to overall economic growth. Moreover, it addresses concerns about the high cost of using highways with numerous structures, making these routes more accessible to a wider range of users.
The implementation of this new norm promises to bring welcome relief to countless commuters and businesses that rely on highways and bypasses with extensive structural components. By significantly reducing toll rates, the government is taking a decisive step towards creating a more equitable and user-friendly transportation system.
