The Indian Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently shared a significant update regarding toll taxes that could revolutionize travel across the nation. As part of the government’s efforts to improve road transport efficiency and passenger convenience, a uniform toll policy is in the works. This initiative is aimed at simplifying toll collection and addressing the grievances faced by travelers on national highways, ensuring a more seamless travel experience.
Creation of a Unified Toll Policy
Nitin Gadkari addressed the pressing concerns regarding disparate toll rates and the deteriorating quality of roads. He stated that the Ministry of Road Transport is actively working towards establishing a standardized toll policy. This initiative is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by commuters and curb the dissatisfaction stemming from high toll charges coupled with poor road conditions. Furthermore, Gadkari highlighted that the ministry is set to implement a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based toll collection system, which will facilitate smoother travel on national highways.
Addressing Passenger Complaints
Gadkari emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to actively monitor passenger feedback on social media platforms, taking complaints seriously, and pursuing strict actions against contractors involved in subpar road maintenance. Interestingly, private cars account for approximately 60% of traffic on national highways, yet contribute only 20-26% of toll revenue collection. This discrepancy has led to growing discontent among travelers, particularly with the increase in toll charges over the last decade as more road sections have begun toll collection.
Record-Setting Toll Collection Trends
India’s toll collection is projected to reach a staggering ₹64,809.86 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a 35% increase from the previous year, when collections stood at ₹27,503 crore in 2019-20. Gadkari reassured stakeholders that the Ministry of Highways is on track to surpass their prior record of constructing 37 kilometers of highway per day achieved in 2020-21. To date, around 7,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed this fiscal year, though the pace of new highway projects has slowed in the absence of a new scheme to replace the Bharat Mala project.
Challenges in Project Approvals
The Minister pointed out that previously, the Ministry had the autonomy to allocate highway projects worth up to ₹3,000 crore under the Bharat Mala program. However, recent changes necessitate cabinet approval for any new projects exceeding ₹1,000 crore. Currently, projects amounting to ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 crore are pending cabinet approval, indicating a potential bottleneck in infrastructural developments.
Political Insights Ahead of Elections
In response to questions regarding the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Gadkari expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure victory, attributing this optimism to growing public dissatisfaction with the current Aam Aadmi Party-led government. With voting scheduled for February 5 and results due on February 8, the political landscape in Delhi is crucial as it may impact future infrastructure policies as well as travel experiences in the region.