The Modi government has introduced a new benefit for the public by changing the rules for National Highways.
Under the new rule, certain vehicles will no longer need to pay tolls for the first 20 kilometers when traveling on highways and expressways.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that private and personal vehicles can now travel up to 20 kilometers on national highways without paying any tolls.
This change applies specifically to private vehicles and is meant to make travel easier.
New Rules for Highways and Expressways
These updates are part of the National Highway Fee Amendment Rules 2024.
The benefit of 20 kilometers of free travel will only be available to vehicles that are equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) on-board unit.
However, this facility is limited to vehicles that do not have a National Permit.
Toll-Free Travel for First 20 Kilometers
According to the new rule, if a private vehicle driver travels within the first 20 kilometers on national highways, permanent bridges, bypasses, or tunnels, no toll fee will be charged.
If the travel distance exceeds 20 kilometers, the driver will only need to pay for the additional distance beyond 20 kilometers.
Additionally, special lanes will be reserved for vehicles equipped with a GNSS unit. Vehicles entering these lanes without a GNSS unit will be charged double the regular toll fee.
Easier Toll Collection with GNSS
The Ministry announced in a notification on July 24 that toll collection using the GNSS-based system will first be tested as a pilot project at selected toll gates.
This new system will work alongside FASTag and is aimed at making toll collection smoother, more transparent, and user-friendly.
The goal is to improve traffic flow on highways and make the toll process easier for everyone.
