Archive · 22 Jul 2026
MP Passes Bill Allowing Private Tolls on State Highways
The Madhya Pradesh Assembly recently passed a new law that allows the state government to build and manage highways with the help of private companies.
These companies can collect tolls from people using the roads to recover their construction costs.
The opposition criticizes this law, saying it will make people pay more for using the roads.
However, the government says this law will help build better and faster roads by bringing in private investment, which will benefit everyone in the long run.
The Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the Madhya Pradesh Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The bill allows the state government to notify roads as state highways and levy toll charges on commuters.
Private contractors can invest in road construction and recover costs through toll collection.
Opposition criticizes the bill, alleging it benefits contractors and increases the financial burden on commuters.
The government defends the bill as a reform to facilitate the construction of high-speed corridors and green corridors through private investment.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh Assembly
- What
- Passed the Madhya Pradesh Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To allow the state government to notify roads as state highways and levy toll charges on commuters for their use.
Opposition Criticism
Government Defense
Purpose of the Bill
Opposition Criticism
The amendment benefits large contractors at the expense of the public, increasing the financial burden on commuters.
Government Defense
The amendment is a small but significant reform that facilitates the construction of high-speed corridors and green corridors through private investment.
- Bill Name
- Madhya Pradesh Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Passed By
- Madhya Pradesh Assembly
- Date Passed
- Tuesday
- Key Proponent
- Public Works Department minister Rakesh Singh
- Key Critic
- Congress MLA Abhay Mishra