Toll-Free Travel : In a major relief for commuters and transporters, the Government of India has officially approved toll-free access on several key roads across the country. This bold step aims to decongest traffic bottlenecks, reduce transportation costs, and ensure smoother movement on select national and state highways. The updated exemption list includes roads critical to defense, agriculture, and emergency services, along with some strategic public interest routes.
Let’s explore the complete details of the toll exemption list, who qualifies, and how this move is expected to impact travel and logistics.
Why Has the Government Approved Toll-Free Travel?
The government’s decision stems from rising public demand and logistical needs that demand seamless movement in certain zones. Some reasons for this approval include:
- Ensuring faster emergency response.
- Supporting agricultural produce movement.
- Reducing travel costs for locals in underdeveloped regions.
- Decongesting high-traffic toll plazas.
Facilitating defense and border area transportation.
Which Roads Are Now Toll-Free? – Key Highlights
Several national and state highways are now partially or fully exempt from toll collections. These include:
- Roads near international borders or defense zones.
- Highways passing through remote tribal or rural areas.
- Stretches declared essential for agricultural and supply chain movement.
- Entry/exit roads in major pilgrimage or tourist destinations.
Below is a comprehensive table listing the toll-free roads and exemptions as per the recent update:
Toll-Free Roads List: Updated Government Notification
| Highway Name/Number | Location Covered | Toll Status | Purpose of Exemption | Road Type | Length (KM) | Status Effective From | Admin Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-310 | Gangtok to Nathula (Sikkim) | Toll-Free | Border/Defense Road | National Highway | 55 | April 2025 | MoRTH |
| NH-125 | Jaisalmer to Tanot (Rajasthan) | Toll-Free | Strategic/Defense Movement | National Highway | 120 | April 2025 | NHAI |
| SH-19 | Nashik to Trimbakeshwar (MH) | Toll-Free | Pilgrimage Travel | State Highway | 44 | March 2025 | Maharashtra PWD |
| NH-44 (Section) | Jammu to Udhampur | Toll-Free | Civilian Emergency Use | National Highway | 65 | April 2025 | MoRTH |
| NH-37 | Guwahati to Tezpur (Assam) | Toll-Free | Flood Relief Zone | National Highway | 182 | April 2025 | NHAI |
| NH-233A | Faizabad to Prayagraj (UP) | Toll-Free | Kumbh Mela Route | National Highway | 148 | March 2025 | UP State NH Wing |
| SH-2 | Amritsar to Wagah Border (Punjab) | Toll-Free | Border Tourism Route | State Highway | 29 | April 2025 | Punjab PWD |
| NH-766E | Mysore to Wayanad (Kerala Border) | Toll-Free | Eco-sensitive Corridor | National Highway | 92 | April 2025 | MoEFCC Approved |
Who Qualifies for Toll Exemption?
It’s important to note that not all vehicles automatically get toll-free access. The exemption applies under specific categories:
- Government-authorized defense and paramilitary convoys.
- State transport buses and ambulances.
- Farmers transporting agricultural produce on notified roads.
- Tourists traveling during officially recognized religious events.
- Emergency response vehicles like fire brigades and disaster teams.
Impact on Daily Commuters and Transporters
This toll-free move is expected to significantly benefit both private and commercial road users. Here’s how:
- Lower Transportation Costs: Especially for goods carriers, farm transport, and long-distance buses.
- Time Savings: No halts at toll booths on exempted roads will ensure uninterrupted movement.
- Boost to Local Economy: Easier access encourages trade, tourism, and faster mobility.
- Emergency Efficiency: Better reach for disaster and health services in times of need.
Toll Collection Rules That Still Apply
While these exemptions bring major relief, some rules remain unchanged for most national and expressway toll plazas:
- All vehicles not included in the exemption list must continue paying tolls.
- FASTag remains mandatory for non-exempt vehicles.
- Penalty for FASTag violations still applies if toll is avoided improperly.
Road maintenance and repair charges are not waived even on exempt routes – funded through government grants.
How to Check If Your Route is Toll-Free
You can verify toll-free access on your travel route using these methods:
- NHAI Toll Plaza Locator App: Live updates on toll status of roads.
- Official MoRTH Website: Updated exemption lists and circulars.
- State Highway Authority Notices: For state-specific roads.
- FASTag Notifications: Many apps alert you if your route has zero toll deduction.
Will More Roads Become Toll-Free in the Future?
According to transport ministry insiders, this is only the beginning. More roads – especially those near religious destinations, military installations, and border areas – may soon be added to the toll exemption list. A committee is currently reviewing road stretches that qualify under public interest, disaster-prone, or economic importance categories.
The Government’s toll-free road initiative is a welcome relief to citizens and transporters alike, especially in areas of strategic and social importance. It reflects a balanced approach to ease road travel costs while ensuring national and regional connectivity. Travelers should always stay informed via official channels to check toll status before planning long-distance journeys.
Toll policies are subject to periodic revisions. Please refer to the official NHAI or MoRTH websites for the most up-to-date notifications and clarifications.
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