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The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has unequivocally refuted recent media reports suggesting the imposition of toll charges on motorcycles and scooters on national highways. This clarification serves to dispel misinformation that had been circulating, indicating that the existing toll-free access for two-wheelers would cease on July 15, 2025, and that these vehicles would subsequently be charged via FASTag at all highway entry points. The Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has vocally criticized these reports, labeling them as the dissemination of misinformation without proper verification. He reaffirmed the government's stance, stating that the toll exemption for two-wheelers remains in full effect and that no changes to this policy have been proposed. This decisive statement from both the NHAI and the minister effectively puts an end to the speculation and uncertainty that had arisen regarding toll charges for two-wheelers. The existing policy, which allows two-wheelers to travel toll-free on national highways, will continue to be upheld, providing relief to millions of motorcyclists and scooter riders across the country. The decision to maintain the toll exemption for two-wheelers is rooted in several factors, including the minimal impact these vehicles have on road wear and tear, as well as the infrastructure costs associated with toll collection. Imposing toll charges on two-wheelers would necessitate the installation of additional toll booths and FASTag infrastructure, which could potentially outweigh the revenue generated from these vehicles. Moreover, the administrative burden of processing toll payments from a large number of two-wheeler users could also prove to be significant. In addition to these practical considerations, the toll exemption for two-wheelers also serves a social purpose by promoting affordable transportation options for a large segment of the population, particularly those in lower-income groups who rely on motorcycles and scooters for their daily commutes. Removing this exemption could disproportionately affect these individuals, potentially hindering their access to employment and other essential services. While two-wheelers are exempt from toll charges on national highways, it is important to note that they are typically not allowed access to express highways such as the Vadodara-Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Pune expressways. This restriction is primarily due to safety concerns, as expressways are designed for high-speed vehicular traffic and two-wheelers may not be able to safely navigate these roadways. The NHAI's clarification regarding toll charges for two-wheelers comes at a time when the government is actively working to improve the efficiency and convenience of toll collection on national highways. The introduction of FASTag, an electronic toll collection system, has significantly reduced congestion at toll plazas and streamlined the toll payment process. The government is also exploring other technologies, such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to further enhance the toll collection system. These efforts are aimed at reducing travel time, improving traffic flow, and increasing revenue collection on national highways. The government's commitment to improving the highway infrastructure and toll collection system is evident in its ongoing investments in these areas. The NHAI is currently implementing several projects to expand and upgrade the national highway network, including the construction of new expressways and the widening of existing highways. These projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time across the country. The government is also actively promoting the use of public transportation and sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking. These initiatives are aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting a healthier lifestyle. The NHAI's clarification regarding toll charges for two-wheelers is a welcome development that provides clarity and reassurance to millions of motorcyclists and scooter riders across the country. The government's commitment to maintaining the toll exemption for these vehicles reflects its recognition of the importance of affordable transportation options for a large segment of the population. The NHAI's ongoing efforts to improve the highway infrastructure and toll collection system are also crucial for enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting economic growth.
The media reports suggesting that two-wheelers would be subject to toll charges from July 15, 2025, were not only inaccurate but also caused unnecessary anxiety among riders. The widespread circulation of this misinformation underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify information before publishing it. In an era of rapid information dissemination, the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly is significant, and the consequences can be far-reaching. In this instance, the false reports about toll charges for two-wheelers could have led to riders altering their travel plans or incurring unnecessary expenses in anticipation of the new charges. The NHAI's swift response in clarifying the situation demonstrates its commitment to transparency and its willingness to address public concerns. The minister's personal involvement in dispelling the misinformation further underscores the importance that the government places on ensuring accurate information reaches the public. The use of social media platforms to disseminate official clarifications is becoming increasingly common, as it allows government agencies to reach a wide audience quickly and directly. This approach is particularly effective in countering misinformation that has already gained traction online. The incident also highlights the role that fact-checking organizations play in combating the spread of false information. These organizations work diligently to verify claims made in the media and online, providing the public with reliable sources of information. The availability of fact-checking resources is crucial for empowering citizens to make informed decisions and to avoid being misled by misinformation. The government's efforts to improve the accuracy and reliability of information online are commendable. However, it is equally important for individuals to be critical consumers of information and to take steps to verify information before sharing it with others. This includes checking the source of the information, looking for evidence to support the claims made, and consulting multiple sources to get a balanced perspective. The NHAI's clarification regarding toll charges for two-wheelers serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism, accurate information dissemination, and critical thinking. By working together, government agencies, media outlets, fact-checking organizations, and individuals can help to combat the spread of misinformation and ensure that the public has access to reliable information.
The simultaneous announcement of the new FASTag annual pass for private cars, while not directly related to the two-wheeler toll exemption, provides an interesting contrast in the government's approach to toll collection. The FASTag annual pass, effective from August 15 onwards, aims to simplify toll payments for non-commercial vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans. This pass covers 200 journeys or one year's travel, whichever expires first, offering a convenient and potentially cost-effective option for frequent highway users. The availability of the FASTag annual pass through the Rajmarg Yatra app and the official NHAI and transport ministry websites further enhances its accessibility and ease of use. The introduction of this pass reflects the government's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and convenience of toll collection on national highways. By offering a pre-paid option for frequent users, the government aims to reduce congestion at toll plazas and streamline the toll payment process. The FASTag system, in general, has already significantly reduced waiting times at toll booths, and the annual pass is expected to further enhance this benefit. The decision to exclude two-wheelers from the annual pass is consistent with the government's policy of exempting these vehicles from toll charges altogether. The rationale behind this exclusion is based on the minimal impact that two-wheelers have on road wear and tear and the administrative costs associated with collecting toll from a large number of riders. The introduction of the FASTag annual pass for private cars and the continuation of the toll exemption for two-wheelers demonstrate the government's nuanced approach to toll collection, taking into account the specific needs and circumstances of different types of vehicles and users. The government is committed to providing efficient and convenient transportation infrastructure for all citizens, while also ensuring that the toll system is fair and equitable. The ongoing investments in highway infrastructure and toll collection technology reflect this commitment. The NHAI continues to explore new and innovative ways to improve the highway network and enhance the user experience. The introduction of the FASTag annual pass is just one example of these efforts. The government is also working to promote sustainable transportation options and to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. These initiatives are aimed at creating a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation system for the entire country.
Source: FACT CHECK: Two Wheelers Will Not Pay Toll Charges, Says NHAI