New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on a uniform toll policy aimed at addressing concerns of highway commuters, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Monday. He also asserted that India’s highway infrastructure now matches that of the United States.
Uniform Toll Policy in the Works
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Gadkari confirmed the government’s plans to introduce a standardized toll collection system to enhance user experience. However, he refrained from divulging specific details.The statement comes amid growing dissatisfaction among National Highway users over rising toll charges and inconsistent road conditions. Complaints regarding high fees and poor road maintenance have been a major issue, prompting the government to take action.
Implementation of GNSS-Based Toll Collection
Gadkari revealed that the ministry is planning to roll out a barrier-less, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system on national highways. This move is expected to streamline toll payments and eliminate traffic bottlenecks at toll plazas.In response to grievances raised by commuters on social media, the ministry has been taking strict action against defaulting contractors to ensure quality road conditions and fair toll collection.
Toll Revenue and Rising Costs
With private cars accounting for nearly 60% of highway traffic but contributing only 20-26% of toll revenue, the government is exploring ways to rebalance tolling mechanisms to ensure fairness.Toll charges on national highways have increased significantly over the past decade. The total toll collection for 2023-24 surged to ₹64,809.86 crore, marking a 35% rise from the previous year. In contrast, toll revenue in 2019-20 stood at ₹27,503 crore. The increase is attributed to more stretches being brought under the toll system in recent years.
India’s Record-Breaking Highway Construction
Gadkari expressed confidence that the ministry will surpass the record highway construction pace of 37 km per day set in 2020-21. As of now, around 7,000 km of highways have been constructed in the current financial year.India’s highway construction figures in recent years are as follows:
- 2020-21: 13,435.4 km
- 2021-22: 10,457.2 km
- 2022-23: 10,331 km
- 2023-24: 12,349 km (so far)
Delays in Highway Project Approvals
The pace of highway project awards has slowed down due to the absence of a replacement scheme for Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship infrastructure initiative.Under Bharatmala Pariyojana, the ministry had the authority to approve projects worth up to ₹3,000 crore. However, due to policy changes, fresh projects now require Cabinet approval for investments above ₹1,000 crore. As a result, the ministry has sent projects worth ₹50,000-₹60,000 crore to the Cabinet for clearance.
Moreover, an inter-ministerial panel has imposed stricter conditions for project approval. Now, bids will only be accepted after 90% of the required land is acquired, along with environmental clearances. Gadkari admitted that this condition has impacted the pace of new project awards.
Bharatmala Pariyojana Progress
Approved in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs across India by constructing 34,800 km of highways. As of October 31, 2024, projects covering 26,425 km have been awarded, and 18,714 km have been completed.Currently, India boasts the second-largest road network in the world, with National Highways spanning 1,46,195 km.
Delhi Elections: BJP Confident of Victory
On a political note, Gadkari expressed confidence in the BJP’s chances in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, scheduled for February 5. He stated that public dissatisfaction with the AAP government would work in BJP’s favor.The results will be announced on February 8, determining whether AAP retains control, BJP makes a comeback, or Congress revives its position. In 2015, AAP secured 67 out of 70 seats, and in 2020, it won 62 seats. However, with BJP gaining traction and Congress attempting a resurgence, the Delhi elections are shaping up to be an intense political battle.
