Toll Tax update : In a significant move to ease travel and reduce transportation costs, the Indian government has approved a new list of roads that will now be toll-free. This decision comes as part of the broader infrastructure reforms aimed at improving commuter experience, reducing delays, and boosting regional connectivity. Here’s everything you need to know about the newly exempted roads, the reasons behind this move, and what it means for everyday travelers and logistics providers.
Toll Tax update : Why the Government Has Removed Toll on Select Roads
The toll exemption initiative is part of a larger transport policy overhaul, influenced by growing public demand, economic considerations, and traffic decongestion goals. Key reasons for these exemptions include:
- Ensuring smoother travel on economically critical routes
- Reducing the cost of logistics for small and medium enterprises
- Providing relief to daily commuters and rural populations
- Encouraging regional development in low-income zones
- Supporting emergency routes for health and defense services
This is expected to significantly benefit transporters, intercity commuters, and local residents, especially in states where toll density is high.
Roads That Are Now Toll-Free: Complete List
Below is a table of major highways and roads that have been declared toll-free under the new directive:
| Road Name / Highway | State Covered | Total Length (KM) | Previous Toll Fee (One Way) | Type of Route | Exemption Type | Reason for Exemption | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-334 (Haridwar Bypass) | Uttarakhand | 48 KM | ₹80 | Religious Route | Full | Religious traffic easing | May 1, 2025 |
| SH-42 (Sangli-Miraj stretch) | Maharashtra | 65 KM | ₹60 | State Highway | Full | Local traffic congestion | May 1, 2025 |
| NH-7 (Nagpur-Wardha) | Maharashtra | 87 KM | ₹120 | National Highway | Partial | Industrial access route | May 1, 2025 |
| NH-275 (Ramanagara-Bidadi) | Karnataka | 52 KM | ₹90 | Suburban Highway | Full | High daily commuter flow | May 1, 2025 |
| NH-53 (Raipur bypass) | Chhattisgarh | 40 KM | ₹55 | Urban Connector | Full | Urban decongestion | May 1, 2025 |
| NH-44 (Srinagar-Banihal) | Jammu & Kashmir | 110 KM | ₹150 | Strategic Route | Full | Defense mobility needs | May 1, 2025 |
| NH-19 (Kolkata-Durgapur) | West Bengal | 155 KM | ₹200 | Industrial Route | Partial | Promoting trade corridors | May 1, 2025 |
| SH-20 (Puri-Konark) | Odisha | 34 KM | ₹40 | Tourist Corridor | Full | Promoting tourism | May 1, 2025 |
Key Categories of Toll Exemptions
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has defined specific categories for toll exemption. These categories clarify why a particular route was chosen:
- Religious Routes: High footfall of pilgrims and religious visitors
- Urban Connectors: Helps in reducing internal city congestion
- Tourist Corridors: Encourages local and international tourism
- Defense/Strategic Roads: Prioritized for national security and mobility
- Economic/Industrial Routes: Supports businesses by reducing transport costs
- Rural Access Roads: Offers affordability and access in underserved areas
Impact on Commuters and Transport Sector
The move is expected to positively impact a wide range of stakeholders:
- Private Vehicle Owners: Substantial monthly savings, especially for regular commuters
- Logistics & Delivery Companies: Lower operational costs, faster turnaround time
- Local Traders & Farmers: Easier movement of goods to markets
- Tourists and Pilgrims: Cheaper and more accessible travel options
- Emergency Services: Faster mobility for ambulances and fire trucks
The following table highlights estimated savings for different user categories:
| User Type | Average Toll Spent/Month | Expected Savings | Routes Benefiting Most | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Commuter | ₹1,200 | ₹800-₹1000 | Haridwar Bypass, Bidadi Section | Saves commute time by 30-40 mins |
| Transport Truck | ₹3,000 | ₹1,500-₹2,000 | NH-19, NH-7, NH-53 | Reduces fuel consumption and delays |
| Tourist Bus Operator | ₹2,000 | ₹1,200 | Puri-Konark, Srinagar-Banihal | Boosts tourist numbers |
| Small Trader | ₹500 | ₹300 | Sangli-Miraj, Raipur Bypass | Improved local trade flow |
Will More Roads Become Toll-Free?
According to officials, this is just the beginning. The government is reviewing toll data and traffic patterns to identify more candidates for exemption, particularly in the following areas:
- Roads with under-recovery on toll collections
- High traffic density zones where tolling causes jams
- Routes used primarily by public and shared transport
- Roads built under older BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) contracts that have completed revenue recovery
It is anticipated that another set of exemptions will be announced during the next infrastructure update later this year.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
Travelers should take the following steps to make the most of these changes:
- Check official NHAI or MoRTH websites for the most up-to-date exemption routes.
- Plan routes accordingly to benefit from toll-free stretches.
- Track FASTag deductions to ensure toll is not charged erroneously.
- Monitor new announcements if you frequently travel intercity.
This nation-wide toll exemption rollout is a significant relief for Indian commuters and commercial drivers. With an aim to promote economic flow, ease public travel, and enhance regional access, the government’s decision could reshape how citizens move across states. While not all roads are toll-free yet, this could mark the beginning of a much-needed shift in transport policy.
Stay tuned to government updates and continue checking your toll routes for maximum savings.
The information in this article is based on current government announcements as of April 2025. Road categories, toll charges, and exemptions are subject to change. Please refer to official MoRTH notifications for the latest updates.
