New Delhi: Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has dismissed recent media reports claiming the government is planning to impose toll taxes on two-wheelers. In a post on X, Gadkari clarified in Hindi, “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing a toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed.”
He further criticised the spread of unverified reports, saying, “Spreading such unverified and sensational news is not responsible journalism. I strongly condemn it.” The minister’s statement has put to rest growing speculation around a change in policy regarding toll exemption for two-wheelers.
Reinforcing the minister’s clarification, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also posted on X, stating, “There are no plans to introduce toll charges for two-wheelers.” The authority confirmed that no such proposal is under consideration.
In a separate development aimed at easing travel and reducing costs for highway users, the government recently announced a FASTag-based Annual Pass system set to roll out from August 15. The scheme will allow users to access more than 200 toll plazas on National Highways for an annual fee of ₹3,000 — significantly lower than the current average yearly toll expense of ₹10,000.
Gadkari said the scheme would bring “big relief” to regular commuters, reducing the average toll cost per trip to just ₹15. The new pass is expected to save frequent travellers up to ₹7,000 annually and further streamline traffic by reducing toll booth stops.
BI Bureau
