🚧 Can Tolls Be Collected on Incomplete Expressways?

Kokila Chokkanathan
Traditionally, tolls were levied on expressways even if only parts of them were completed and operational — meaning commuters often paid full toll rates even on stretches that were partially under construction.

However, recent changes in government rules now provide a fairer system for travelers.

📜 New Toll Rules for Partially Open Expressways

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 to change how tolls are charged on expressways that are not fully open from end to end.

📅 Effective Date

  • These **new rules come into force on 15 February 2026.
📍 Key Change

  • If an expressway is only partially operational, toll can still be collected, but only for completed sections that are open to traffic.
  • More importantly, the toll rate for those sections will now be the same as the regular National Highway rate — not the higher expressway rate that applied earlier.
🪙 Temporary Relief

  • This arrangement will remain valid for up to one year from the date the rules take effect, or until the expressway is fully operational, whichever happens earlier.
This change means that tolls won’t be a full expressway charge when the road isn’t fully ready, helping commuters save money while travel infrastructure is still being developed.

🛣️ Why the New Rule Was Introduced

The government’s reasons for this policy change include:

  • Encouraging drivers to use partially open expressway stretches, which can help reduce congestion on old parallel highways.
  • Making travel more economical on routes that are not fully complete.
  • Reducing pollution and delays caused by heavy traffic on older roads.
⚖️ Legal Principles & court Views

Even before these rule changes, courts in india have expressed that tolls shouldn’t be unfairly charged where road conditions are poor or where a highway is not operational:

  • High Courts (like kerala HC) have ruled that toll collection is not justified if there is no safe, unhindered access on a road — and temporarily suspended tolls in some cases.
  • The Supreme court has upheld similar decisions, saying public shouldn’t pay tolls on badly maintained or incomplete highways where service levels are far below what users pay for.
These legal views support the basic idea behind the new rule — you pay for what service you actually get.

🛑 What It Doesn’t Mean

  • This doesn’t mean tolls are abolished when a road isn’t fully finished; they’re adjusted to match regular highway rates.
  • Expressway premium rates (usually 25% higher than normal highways) apply only after the expressway is fully operational from start to end.
📊 Summary: How Toll Collection Works Now

Situation

Toll Collection Rule

Expressway incomplete (partially operational)

Toll charged only for finished sections at standard National Highway rates

Expressway fully operational

Toll charged at regular expressway rates (higher than National Highway)

Rule validity

Until expressway fully opens or for 1 year from 15 Feb 2026

🧠 Bottom Line

Yes — tolls can still be collected even if an expressway isn’t fully completed, but you won’t have to pay the full premium expressway toll rate for stretches that are only partially open. Under the new rules, only completed and usable sections are tolled, and at lower National Highway rates, offering fair relief to motorists.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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