Toll-Free Highways : In a move that brings huge relief to daily commuters and inter-state travelers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially announced that several key national highways will now be toll-free. Effective from this month, no toll charges will be applicable on selected routes across various states. This landmark decision is part of a larger plan to improve road infrastructure, reduce congestion at toll booths, and encourage smoother travel for citizens.
Why Has NHAI Made Toll-Free Highways?
The decision to remove tolls on certain national highways comes after numerous public appeals, rising traffic congestion, and the need for quicker and more efficient transportation. The government aims to:
- Ease traffic flow on key travel routes
- Eliminate delays caused by toll booths
- Provide financial relief to daily commuters
- Boost regional trade and logistics movement
Key National Highways Declared Toll-Free
The following routes have officially been declared toll-free starting this month. The list includes major travel corridors that witness high commuter volume:
Toll-Free National Highways – List and Details
| Highway Name | Route Covered | States Impacted | Total Length (Km) | Toll Booth Removed | Previous Toll Cost (INR) | Reason for Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-48 | Gurgaon to Jaipur | Haryana, Rajasthan | 270 | Kherki Daula | ₹140 | Ongoing expressway development |
| NH-44 | Nagpur to Hyderabad | Maharashtra, Telangana | 340 | Adilabad | ₹200 | Central govt. infrastructure plan |
| NH-16 | Chennai to Vijayawada | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh | 380 | Nellore | ₹180 | No alternate route available |
| NH-19 | Allahabad to Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | 120 | Handia | ₹90 | Route upgraded to 6-lane |
| NH-2 | Delhi to Agra (old route) | Delhi, UP | 210 | Mathura | ₹150 | Replaced by Yamuna Expressway |
| NH-75 | Ranchi to Gaya | Jharkhand, Bihar | 160 | Hunterganj | ₹110 | Promoting tourism connectivity |
| NH-66 | Kochi to Kozhikode | Kerala | 180 | Edappally | ₹130 | Decongestion of coastal roads |
| NH-27 | Guwahati to Silchar | Assam | 320 | Nagaon | ₹190 | Boosting Northeast development |
Who Will Benefit from the Toll-Free Highways?
The toll-free initiative is expected to bring major benefits to:
- Daily Commuters: Office-goers and local residents who travel short distances will save thousands of rupees annually.
- Commercial Vehicle Operators: Reduced costs on logistics routes will help in better pricing and delivery timelines.
- Tourists and Travelers: Increased accessibility to key tourist locations without extra toll charges.
- Emergency Services: Faster movement of ambulances and disaster response teams without delay at toll gates.
Impact on Transportation and Economy
The removal of tolls is likely to have multiple economic and logistical impacts:
- Reduced Transportation Costs: Lower overheads for transporters will likely reduce the cost of goods.
- Less Congestion: With toll booths removed, traffic bottlenecks are expected to reduce.
- Faster Commutes: Travel time may reduce by 10-20% on average, depending on the route.
- Local Economy Boost: Small businesses near highways are likely to see an increase in customers.
How to Check If a Route Is Toll-Free?
Follow these steps to verify if your travel route is included in the toll-free network:
- Visit nhai.gov.in
- Click on “Toll Plaza Status”
- Use the interactive map to check your highway
- Search using NH number or toll booth name
- Look for the tag “Toll-Free from [Date]”
State-Wise Toll-Free Coverage – Summary Table
| State | No. of Highways Affected | Key Cities Covered | Economic Impact Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 3 | Varanasi, Agra, Allahabad | Commuter relief & tourism |
| Maharashtra | 1 | Nagpur | Freight corridor benefit |
| Tamil Nadu | 1 | Chennai | Reduced trade cost |
| Kerala | 1 | Kochi, Kozhikode | Coastal decongestion |
| Assam | 1 | Guwahati, Silchar | NE infrastructure boost |
| Jharkhand/Bihar | 1 | Ranchi, Gaya | Religious tourism |
| Delhi/Rajasthan | 1 | Delhi, Jaipur | Industrial freight savings |
The NHAI’s decision to make selected national highways toll-free marks a major shift in road infrastructure policy. It not only lightens the financial burden on everyday commuters but also enhances travel efficiency, trade logistics, and emergency services. Travelers are advised to stay informed via the official NHAI platforms to take full advantage of this change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are all national highways toll-free now?
No, only selected highways listed by NHAI under the latest update are toll-free.
Q2. Will the toll charges return in future?
As of now, the government has not announced any plan to reintroduce tolls on these specific routes.
Q3. Do private vehicles also get toll exemption?
Yes, the toll exemption applies to all types of vehicles, including private, commercial, and government vehicles.
Q4. What about FASTag deductions?
FASTag will not be deducted on these toll-free routes. Ensure the route is on the NHAI toll-free list.
Q5. Where can I find the complete updated list?
You can visit the official NHAI website or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal for the latest updates.