The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a significant reduction in toll charges for commuters using two-lane national highways that are currently undergoing expansion to four lanes. This move aims to ease the financial burden on travelers who experience disruptions and reduced service quality due to ongoing construction.

Under the proposal, the toll rate for these expanding highways would be halved, decreasing from the existing 60% to just 30% of the normal toll. The ministry recognizes that commuters do not receive the expected level of service when construction narrows the usable highway width. The reduced rate is intended to compensate for the inconvenience caused by construction activities.

The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the finance ministry. If approved, this measure will provide substantial relief to road users on these routes.

This initiative is particularly relevant given Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari's announcement of a plan to convert 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane highways with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore over the next two years. With approximately 80,000 km of the total 1.46 lakh km of national highways falling into the category of two-lane or two-lane with paved shoulders, this policy shift could affect a large number of commuters in the coming years.

The government has also taken other steps to rationalize tolling on national highways. Recently, a new rule was introduced to reduce toll rates by up to 50% for structures like bridges, tunnels, flyovers, and elevated sections on highways. This reduction primarily benefits commercial and heavy vehicles. Additionally, the government has announced an annual toll pass scheme priced at ₹3,000, allowing private vehicles to cross 200 toll plazas annually.

These measures reflect the government's focus on developing and expanding the national highway network while also addressing the concerns of road users regarding toll costs and service quality during construction. By reducing toll rates during the expansion phase, the government aims to strike a balance between infrastructure development and commuter convenience.