National Highway Tolls Reduced: New Rates & Expressway Updates (Feb 2026)

National Highway Tolls Adjusted: Drivers traveling on partially completed National Expressways in India will soon experience reduced toll charges, effective February 15, 2026. The change comes following amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, enacted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The revised rules dictate that tolls on National Expressways that are not yet fully operational will now be calculated at the lower rate applicable to standard National Highways, rather than the previously higher expressway tariff. This adjustment aims to incentivize the use of these routes, even in their incomplete state, and alleviate congestion on existing National Highway networks.

Currently, user fees on National Expressways are 25% higher than those on regular National Highways, even for sections that aren’t fully open. This premium reflects the benefits of access-controlled corridors, offering faster and more comfortable travel. However, the MoRTH recognized concerns about the cost burden for drivers utilizing incomplete expressway sections.

Under the new provision, if a National Expressway is not fully operational from end to end, the toll fee will be based on the completed length, calculated using the lower rates applicable to National Highway sections as defined in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. This means motorists will only pay the standard National Highway rate for the portion of the expressway they actually use.

According to a statement released by the MoRTH, the amendment is expected to promote increased traffic on the completed portions of expressways, helping to decongest parallel existing National Highway routes. The goal is also to enable faster movement of goods and passengers, and ultimately reduce pollution caused by traffic congestion on older highways.

The amendment will remain in effect for up to one year from February 15, 2026, or until the expressway becomes fully operational, whichever comes first. This temporary measure is designed to encourage drivers to utilize the available stretches of the new expressways while construction continues.

The change addresses a common frustration for drivers who encounter partially open expressways – paying a premium toll for an incomplete experience. By aligning toll rates with the actual usability of the road, the government hopes to encourage greater adoption of these new routes and realize their intended benefits for both travelers and the environment.