New Toll Rules From Feb 15: Lower charges on partially operational expressways—All you need to know

The Government of India has notified an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, for users of National Expressways that are only partially operational. The new revised regulations will come into effect from February 15 2026.

Existing toll structure on expressways

According to an official statement by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the amendment addresses toll charges on National Expressways that are not yet operational along their entire stretch. At present, users of National Expressways are required to pay a toll fee that is 25 per cent higher than the standard National Highway user fee for the completed length.

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This premium is levied because expressways are access-controlled corridors designed to offer faster, seamless, and more comfortable travel to commuters.

This fee is levied for the completed section, even if the expressway is not fully open along its entire length end-to-end.

Key change under the amended rules?

Under the amended rules, toll charges on partially operational National Expressways will now be aligned with the rates applicable to National Highway sections, instead of the higher expressway rate.

This means that when a National Expressway is not opened end-to-end, commuters will pay a toll fee for the completed stretch at the lower rate as applicable for the National Highway.

"Under the new provision, when a National Expressway is not opened end-to-end, the toll fee will be charged for the completed length at a lower rate as applicable for the National Highway Section under National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008," the official statement said.

Objective behind the amendment

The government states that the amendment aims to promote increased usage of operational stretches of expressways. The authorities expect that more commuters and logistics operators will use the newly opened sections because they have reduced toll charges to more affordable levels. The changes to the traffic patterns will decrease traffic on existing National Highways, which currently experience extreme vehicle congestion.

The reduction of traffic jams on older highways will likely enable better traffic movement, allowing goods and passengers to travel at faster movements. Additionally, the improvement of traffic conditions is expected to decrease vehicle emissions, which result from extended traffic jams, thus leading to reduced pollution levels.

Validity of the amendment

According to the notification, the amended rules, titled the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will remain valid for up to one year from the date of implementation or until the expressway achieves complete operational status, whichever is earlier.

The move is part of the government’s broader effort to make road travel more seamless, economical and efficient for highway users across the country.