Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Committee Criticizes 'Perpetual Tolling', Calls for Reform
Imagine paying to drive on a road, but the charges never stop, even after the road is fully paid for.
A government committee is worried about this, because drivers might be charged forever.
They're saying that tolls should be fairer, and end once the road is paid for.
The committee wants a special group, like the one that looks after airports, to make sure toll charges are reasonable.
If a road isn't safe or finished, drivers should get their money back.
The government collected a lot of money in tolls in recent years and the committee wants to ensure that this money is being used fairly.
Parliamentary committee flags concerns about the current tolling system.
Charges are often levied indefinitely regardless of road quality or project cost recovery.
A 2008 amendment allowed for 'perpetual tolling' even after cost recovery.
The committee recommends creating a tariff authority to ensure fairness.
Refunds or waivers should be implemented if highways are incomplete or unsafe.
- Who
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- What
- A parliamentary committee is questioning the fairness of the tolling system.
- When
- The committee's report was submitted to Parliament on Tuesday.
- Where
- Focus is on highways and toll roads.
- Why
- To ensure transparency and fairness in toll collection and regulation, and to protect user interests.
Public/Highway Users
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Concerns
Public/Highway Users
The current tolling system allows for indefinite charges, regardless of road quality or cost recovery.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
The MoRTH and NHAI are managing the toll collection and associated costs.
- Toll Collection FY2024-25
- Rs. 61,408 crore
- Toll Collection FY2023-24
- Rs. 55,882 crore
- Toll Collection FY2022-23
- Rs. 48,032 crore
- Recommendation
- Establish a tariff authority similar to AERA.
