Expressway Travel to Become Cheaper: New Toll Rules Effective from February 15, 2026

In a significant relief for motorists across the country, the Central Government has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination and Collection) Rules, 2008. The revision has been notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and will come into effect from February 15, 2026.

What Has Changed?
Under the new provision, if a National Expressway is not fully completed and is only partially operational, toll charges will be levied only for the portion that is open to traffic.

Moreover, toll rates for such partially operational stretches will be calculated as per regular National Highway rates, instead of higher expressway rates. Typically, National Highway toll rates are lower than those charged for fully developed expressways.

What Was the Issue Earlier?
Previously, there were instances where motorists were charged full expressway toll rates even when the road was incomplete, under construction, or operating with diversions. This led to public dissatisfaction, as commuters had to pay premium charges without receiving full expressway-level facilities and seamless travel.

Public Interest Impact -
The revised rule is expected to:
• Reduce travel costs for commuters
• Ensure fair and proportionate toll collection
• Improve transparency in toll charging
• Align toll fees with the actual level of infrastructure available

Effective Nationwide from February 15, 2026 :
The amendment will apply across India wherever expressways are partially open to traffic.

This move is widely seen as a pro-commuter reform aimed at making toll collection more rational, equitable, and transparent.