Motorists using partially open expressways will soon pay less toll.
The central government has announced that if an expressway is not fully operational from start to finish, drivers will be charged a lower toll.
The decision comes after complaints from commuters about paying full expressway rates without getting full connectivity.
The change has been made through an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
The new rule will come into effect from February 15, 2026.
What Was the Problem Earlier?
Until now, drivers had to pay toll charges that were 25 percent higher than regular national highway rates on expressways.
This higher fee applied even if only part of the expressway was open to traffic.
The reason behind the premium was that expressways are access-controlled and designed for faster, smoother travel.
But many commuters questioned why they should pay extra when the road was not fully complete and did not offer end-to-end connectivity.
What Changes From February 15, 2026?
Under the new amendment, if a National Expressway is not open from start to finish, toll will be charged only at the standard national highway rate for the completed portion.
In simple terms, no more 25 percent extra charge on incomplete stretches.
However, once the entire expressway becomes fully operational, regular expressway toll rates may apply again.
The revised toll structure will remain valid for up to one year from the date of notification.
It may end earlier if the project is completed before that period.
Why the Government Made This Move
The government says the goal is to make travel more affordable and practical.
Lower toll rates are expected to encourage drivers to use the open sections of new expressways.
This can help reduce traffic pressure on older national highways running alongside these corridors.
Less congestion could also mean smoother movement of goods and passengers — and possibly lower pollution caused by traffic jams.
Expressways Opened in Phases
Several major projects in India have been opened in stages before full completion.
These include the Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Katra, Chennai–Bengaluru, and Amritsar–Jamnagar corridors.
With the new rule, toll charges on such partially open expressways will now better reflect the actual access available to commuters.
For highway users, this means fairer pricing — and potentially more economical road travel starting mid-February 2026.
