India’s road infrastructure has come a long way in recent years, with remarkable developments making national highways comparable to those of developed nations like the United States. However, one persistent issue that continues to trouble commuters is the toll collection system. Addressing this concern, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, under the leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is working on a uniform toll policy aimed at providing a seamless experience for highway users.
A Step Towards Toll System Reform
In a recent interview, Gadkari emphasized that the government is working diligently on a standardized toll policy to alleviate the problems faced by commuters. While he did not disclose specific details, this announcement comes at a crucial time when users of National Highways have expressed their frustration over high toll charges and inconsistent road conditions.
One of the major grievances of highway users is the frequent toll hikes and the increasing number of toll booths. Over the past decade, more highways have come under the tolling system, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among travelers. Private vehicles, which constitute nearly 60% of the traffic on national highways, contribute only about 20-26% of the toll revenue, indicating an imbalance in the revenue model.
The Future of Toll Collection: GNSS-Based System
To modernize and simplify toll collection, the ministry has decided to implement a barrier-less Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system. This advanced technology is expected to replace the traditional toll booths, reducing congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
GNSS-based tolling is already in use in several developed countries, and its adoption in India could revolutionize highway usage. By eliminating physical toll plazas, this system will minimize waiting times, fuel wastage, and pollution while improving overall travel efficiency.
Addressing Public Concerns and Contractor Accountability
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been proactive in addressing user complaints regarding highway conditions and toll management. Social media has become an essential platform for commuters to voice their concerns, and the ministry has taken a serious stance on resolving these issues. Contractors who fail to maintain highways as per standards are being held accountable, with strict action taken against them.
Rising Toll Collections: A Look at the Numbers
India’s toll revenue has seen a significant rise over the past few years. In the financial year 2023-24, total toll collection reached an astonishing Rs 64,809.86 crore, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This growth indicates both an expansion in tolled highways and an increase in toll charges. Comparatively, the toll collection stood at Rs 27,503 crore in 2019-20, highlighting the rapid growth in highway revenue generation.
Record-Breaking Highway Construction Pace
Under Gadkari’s leadership, India’s highway construction has achieved remarkable milestones. In the financial year 2020-21, the country recorded an all-time high highway construction rate of 37 km per day. While the pace slightly fluctuated in subsequent years, the government remains committed to surpassing previous records.
Key Construction Milestones:
- 2020-21: 13,435.4 km of highways constructed
- 2021-22: 10,457.2 km
- 2022-23: 10,331 km
- 2023-24: 12,349 km
With around 7,000 km of highways already constructed in the current financial year, the government is on track to achieve significant progress. Historically, highway construction sees an uptick in the February-March period, further boosting overall figures.
Challenges in Highway Project Approvals
Despite ambitious goals, the pace of highway project approvals has slowed due to policy constraints. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship program aimed at improving road connectivity, previously allowed the ministry to approve projects worth up to Rs 3,000 crore. However, the lack of a new scheme to replace Bharatmala has restricted approvals, requiring cabinet clearance for projects above Rs 1,000 crore.
Currently, projects worth Rs 50,000-Rs 60,000 crore are awaiting cabinet approval. Once these projects receive the green light, they will significantly contribute to India’s infrastructure growth.
Overcoming Land Acquisition and Environmental Hurdles
A major challenge in highway expansion has been the delay caused by land acquisition and regulatory approvals. To mitigate these issues, an inter-ministerial panel has mandated that bids for highway projects should only be accepted after acquiring at least 90% of the required land and obtaining all statutory clearances, including environmental and forest approvals.
While this condition ensures smoother execution of projects, it has also contributed to the slowdown in highway awards. Nevertheless, the government remains determined to push forward with key projects to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs.
Bharatmala Pariyojana: Transforming India’s Road Network
Launched in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to construct 34,800 km of highways to enhance connectivity and economic growth. As of October 31, 2024, the program has achieved significant milestones:
- Total length awarded: 26,425 km
- Total length constructed: 18,714 km
This initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s road network, which now spans an impressive 1,46,195 km under the National Highways system.
A Promising Future for India’s Highways
With a uniform toll policy in the works and a shift towards a GNSS-based toll collection system, the future of India’s highways looks promising. The government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, addressing user concerns, and implementing modern technology will undoubtedly transform the travel experience for millions of commuters.
As India continues to expand its highway network, ensuring affordability, efficiency, and sustainability remains a top priority. The coming years are expected to bring significant advancements in road transport, making India’s highways more accessible, efficient, and world-class.
