New Delhi, December 4, 2025 – In a major relief for highway commuters across India, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari declared today that the cumbersome traditional toll collection system will be phased out within the next year, paving the way for a fully electronic, barrier-free alternative.
Speaking during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari emphasized the government's commitment to streamlining travel on national highways. "This toll system will end. There will be no one to stop you in the name of toll. Within a year, an electronic toll collection will be implemented across the country," he assured the House. The announcement comes amid growing demands for reducing congestion and delays at toll plazas, which have long plagued India's expanding road network.
The new system, leveraging advanced FASTag technology, has already been piloted successfully at 10 locations nationwide, allowing vehicles to pass through toll points without halting. Under this setup, tolls will be deducted automatically from linked bank accounts or digital wallets, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Gadkari highlighted that the rollout will eliminate physical barriers, cutting down travel time and fuel consumption while enhancing road safety.
"This move aligns with our vision of a modern, efficient highway infrastructure," Gadkari added, underscoring the initiative's role in boosting economic productivity. The minister also noted that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is accelerating infrastructure upgrades to support the transition, including the integration of GPS-enabled tracking for accurate distance-based tolling.
Industry experts and commuters have welcomed the development. "It's a game-changer for logistics and daily travel," said Rajesh Kumar, a truck driver from Uttar Pradesh, who frequently navigates toll-heavy routes. Road transport associations echoed this sentiment, predicting a 20-30% reduction in highway delays once fully implemented.
The announcement builds on previous reforms like the mandatory FASTag adoption in 2021, which digitized toll payments but still required vehicles to slow down at plazas. With over 1,500 toll plazas currently operational on India's 1.46 lakh kilometers of national highways, the shift to a fully automated model is expected to generate significant revenue efficiency for the government while minimizing human intervention and corruption risks.
Gadkari's statement has sparked optimism in Parliament, with opposition members praising the proactive step but calling for safeguards to ensure affordability for low-income users. The Ministry has assured that exemptions for local vehicles and monthly pass options will remain intact under the new regime.
As India races towards its ambitious target of 2 lakh kilometers of highways by 2025, this toll revolution could mark a pivotal step in transforming the nation's mobility landscape. Implementation timelines will be closely monitored, with full nationwide coverage targeted by December 2026.
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