National Highways Toll Charges Revised From February 15

The central government has announced a revision in toll charges across National Highways (NH) in India, effective February 15, 2026. The change follows amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Under the updated rules, toll will be levied only on the completed sections of National Expressways that are not operational end-to-end. These sections will now attract lower toll rates, equivalent to those applicable for regular National Highways, instead of the previous higher expressway fees.

Currently, users pay 25% more on National Expressways than on standard highways due to faster travel, seamless connectivity, and enhanced comfort. Previously, this higher fee was charged even if the expressway was operational only partially. The new amendment ensures that commuters are not overcharged while using incomplete stretches of expressways.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the amendment aims to encourage the use of newly opened expressway sections. By promoting travel on these operational stretches, the government hopes to decongest existing National Highways running parallel to the expressways, improve the movement of passengers and logistics, and reduce pollution caused by traffic bottlenecks.

The revised toll rules will remain in effect for up to one year from February 15, 2026, or until the respective expressway becomes fully operational, whichever comes first. Commuters can expect significant savings during this period, particularly on stretches that are partially open for traffic.

Drivers and logistics operators stand to benefit from reduced toll costs on partially operational expressways. This step is expected to make expressway travel more economical, while also easing congestion on older National Highway routes.