Toll Tax rules update 2024—All you need to know about GNSS, 60 km toll rule and other NH fee rules

#WATCH | Nagpur: On Toll tax, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, “Now we are ending toll and there will be a satellite base toll collection system. Money will be deducted from your bank account and the amount of road you cover will be charged accordingly. Through this time and… pic.twitter.com/IHWJNwM0QF

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024

The GNSS-based tolling system utilises satellite technology to streamline the toll collection process by using GPS and GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) to accurately track a vehicle’s location and calculate tolls based on the distance travelled on highways.

A pilot study was conducted of the GNSS-based user fee collection system in the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana, Gadhkari mentioned in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

NHAI 60 km rule:

In 2008, the NH 60 km rule required that toll plazas on national highways should be at least 60 kilometres apart. Along similar lines, a video of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari promising no toll plaza within 60 km on national highways has recently resurfaced on the internet.

In the video, Gadkari stated that toll tax would not be collected at toll plazas located within 60 km of each other and that passes using Aadhar cards would be provided to residents living nearby, mentioning the implementation of this plan within three months.

We’ll provide passes to locals having Aadhaar cards who reside near toll plazas. Further, I ensure that there will be only one toll plaza within 60 kms & if there’s a 2nd toll plaza, then it will be shut in next 3 months: Union Road & Transport minister Nitin Gadkari in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/PQbAlL8nEk

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2022

Despite this statement, as per media reports, tolls have been collected at two plazas within 60 km on the Pathankot-Srinagar highway, contrary to the Minister’s assurances.

Additionally, a lawsuit was also filed against the Union Ministry of Roads, Transport, and Highways and the Haryana PWD (B&R) for setting up toll plazas within the 60 km range, as the Tribune India reported.

However, according to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, “In India, the tolling is generally under the open system, whereby fee payable is a fixed amount based on the length of stretch under one project which is normally 60 kilometres. If a stretch is of lesser length, a user fee of actual length only is collected.”

What’s a user fee?

As per the MoRTH, the user fee at a specific toll plaza is determined by the length of the road, any structures such as bridges or tunnels, the width of the highway, the applicable fee regulations, and the terms of the concession agreement.

Vehicles are categorized based on their size, load, the damage they cause to the road, and whether they are used for commercial or personal purposes, to ensure the safety and convenience of road users.

Other NHAI rules:

Here’s a set of NHAI Toll Rules (Source: nhai.gov.in)

i. 10-second waiting time:

In line with the guidelines of the NHAI, the waiting time at toll plazas is limited to 10 seconds per vehicle. So, if a driver experiences a wait time exceeding this limit, they are not required to pay any toll fee. This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and minimise delays for all.

ii. Mandatory use of FASTag:

The NHAI has made it compulsory for all vehicles, both commercial and private, to use FASTags for toll payments. This regulation has been in effect since February 2021, emphasising the importance of electronic toll collection in enhancing efficiency on national highways.

iii. One Vehicle, One FASTag:

Each vehicle must be equipped with a single FASTag linked to its unique registration number. Using one FASTag for multiple vehicles is prohibited and incurs penalties. Therefore, if you own more than one vehicle, you will need to obtain a separate FASTag for each.

iv. Vehicle queue within 100 metres:

To ensure smooth traffic flow, NHAI regulations state that vehicle queues at toll booths should not exceed 100 meters. A yellow line will be marked at this distance to help manage queues effectively. If a vehicle is waiting beyond this line, it can proceed without paying the toll until the queue is within the specified limit.

This measure is designed to maintain orderly traffic and reduce congestion at toll plazas.

In essence, these guidelines reflect NHAI’s commitment to improving the travel experience on national highways, ensuring that waiting times are minimised and toll processes are efficient.