NHAI's new toll formula may cut highway toll charges on bridges, tunnels. Details

The government has changed the way toll are calculated on National Highways with bridges, tunnels and flyovers. The new NHAI formula could lower toll charges for many highway users.The Centre has introduced a new NHAI toll calculation formula for highways with major structures like bridges and tunnels, which could reduce toll charges for several road users.If you frequently drive on National Highways, your next journey could become a little cheaper. The government has changed the NHAI toll calculation formula for highway stretches that include expensive structures such as bridges, tunnels, flyovers and elevated roads. Under the revised rule, the toll will now be calculated using whichever of two formulas results in the lower amount. The move is expected to reduce toll charges for many commuters while ensuring that infrastructure costs continue to be recovered.WHAT HAS CHANGED?Earlier, users often paid higher tolls on highways with major structures because these sections attracted a higher multiplier.Under the revised rule, toll will be calculated by comparing:10 times the length of the structures plus the remaining highway length, orFive times the total length of the highway section The lower of these two figures will be used to calculate the toll payable. Structures measuring 60 metres or less will not be treated separately under the new formula.HOW DOES THIS HELP TRAVELLERS?The revised formula mainly benefits people travelling on highways that have long bridges, tunnels, flyovers or elevated corridors. In many cases, the new method reduces the chargeable distance used for toll calculation, which means motorists could end up paying less than they did under the earlier system. However, the exact savings will depend on the highway and the proportion of structures on that route.WHY DID THE GOVERNMENT CHANGE THE RULE?The government says the revised formula aims to make toll collection fairer while continuing to recover the high construction and maintenance costs of complex highway infrastructure.Large structures such as tunnels and elevated roads cost much more to build than ordinary road stretches. The updated formula tries to balance infrastructure recovery with affordability for road users.ALSO READ: Western Railway suspends trains as rising water disrupts Mumbai-Ahmedabad routeWHO WILL BENEFIT?The biggest beneficiaries are likely to be motorists who regularly travel on National Highway sections with:Long bridgesTunnelsElevated highwaysFlyovers and viaductsFor highways without such structures, the change is unlikely to make a noticeable difference to toll charges. The revised rule applies to National Highways covered under the updated fee calculation framework.- EndsPublished By: vaishnavi parasharPublished On: Jul 27, 2026 15:28 IST