Responding to rising complaints about the arbitrary placement of toll plazas on national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a new directive mandating stricter enforcement of toll policy rules.
Key Distance Rules Restated
The circular, shared with highway development agencies and concessionaires this week, reiterates two key norms:
- The minimum distance between two toll plazas must be at least 60 kilometers.
- No toll plaza can be set up within 10 kilometers of a municipal boundary, except in rare cases.
Although these rules have been part of the tolling framework for years, their implementation has often been inconsistent. Recent reports revealed toll booths operating too close to one another or within city peripheries, creating frustration for daily commuters.
Exceptions Face Stricter Scrutiny
MoRTH has clarified that any exception to the distance norms will now require detailed justification and multiple levels of approval. “Toll plazas must be located as per policy to avoid undue burden on commuters and to ensure fairness in toll collection,” the ministry noted in its circular.
Accountability for Highway Agencies
The ministry has directed highway authorities to apply these criteria during the planning and sanctioning stages of new projects. Agencies found in violation of the rules could face action.
Addressing Public Dissatisfaction
The move comes amid growing pressure from road users, particularly in peri-urban and semi-rural areas, where consecutive toll plazas and proximity to city limits have driven up travel costs. By enforcing uniform placement rules, the ministry aims to ease the financial burden on commuters and restore confidence in the tolling system.
