Toll Policy: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has made a significant announcement regarding toll taxes. He stated that the Ministry of Road Transport is developing a standardized toll policy aimed at easing the burden on travelers using national highways. In the near future, a uniform toll rate will be implemented nationwide.
This initiative will address the challenges faced by commuters
Gadkari emphasized that this initiative will address the challenges faced by commuters. His comments came in response to growing dissatisfaction among travelers concerning high toll fees and the condition of the roads. The Minister also revealed that the ministry plans to introduce a seamless global navigation satellite system (GNSS) for toll collection on national highways. Furthermore, Gadkari mentioned that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is actively addressing passenger complaints received via social media and is taking stringent measures against the contractors responsible.
Toll rates have risen due to the expansion of toll collection
Currently, private vehicles account for approximately 60 percent of traffic on national highways, yet they contribute only 20-26 percent to toll revenue. Over the past decade, toll rates have risen due to the expansion of toll collection across more highway segments, which has often resulted in passenger dissatisfaction.
Approximately 7,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed
As reported by the media, approximately 7,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed in the current financial year. However, the absence of a new initiative to succeed the Bharatmala project has significantly slowed the pace of awarding new highway projects.