New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is in the process of formulating a uniform toll policy aimed at improving the experience of national highway users, Union Minister Nitin Gadkariannounced on Monday.
Gadkari emphasized that India’s highway infrastructure now matches that of the United States, highlighting the government’s efforts to modernize and expand road networks.
Uniform Toll Policy & GNSS-Based Toll Collection
Speaking to PTI, Gadkari noted that a new uniform toll policy is under development to address commuter grievances over rising toll charges and service quality. However, he did not provide further details on the specifics of the policy.To improve efficiency, the government plans to introduce a barrier-less Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection on national highways. The initiative aims to eliminate toll plazas and reduce congestion, ensuring smoother movement for vehicles.
Toll Collection & Rising Revenues
Toll revenues in India have seen a 35% year-on-year increase, reaching ₹64,809.86 crore in FY24, up from ₹27,503 crore in FY20. Despite private cars accounting for 60% of highway traffic, their contribution to toll revenue is only 20-26%.Gadkari assured that the ministry takes commuter complaints seriously, particularly those raised on social media, and is actively penalizing contractors for substandard service.
Highway Construction Milestones
The minister expressed confidence in exceeding the previous record of 37 km per day highway construction, achieved in FY21. As of now, 7,000 km of highways have been constructed in FY24, with the pace expected to accelerate in February and March.Highway Construction Progress Over the Years:
| Financial Year | Highways Constructed (km) |
|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 13,435.4 km |
| 2021-22 | 10,457.2 km |
| 2022-23 | 10,331 km |
| 2023-24 | 12,349 km |
Challenges & Future Plans
The pace of awarding projects has slowed due to the absence of a new scheme to replace Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship highway development program.- Under the original scheme, the ministry could approve projects up to ₹3,000 crore, but now requires Cabinet approval for projects exceeding ₹1,000 crore.
- A proposal for ₹50,000-₹60,000 crore worth of projects has been submitted to the Cabinet, pending approval.
Bharatmala Pariyojana & Land Acquisition Hurdles
Approved in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to develop 34,800 km of highways to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs.- As of October 31, 2024, 26,425 km of projects have been awarded.
- 18,714 km have been completed so far.
India’s Expanding Road Network
India boasts the second-largest road network in the world, with National Highways spanning 1,46,195 km and serving as the country's primary arterial routes.With an ambitious focus on improving connectivity, streamlining toll collection, and enhancing highway quality, the government is poised to reshape India’s transport infrastructure in the coming years.
