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Key Points

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has firmly quashed misleading media reports about potential toll charges for two-wheelers on national highways. The minister took to social media to condemn the spread of unverified information, emphasizing that two-wheelers will continue to be exempt from toll payments. This clarification comes amid significant infrastructure development, with national highways expanding by over 60% in the past decade. The government remains committed to improving transportation infrastructure while ensuring transparency and clear communication with the public.

Key Points: Gadkari Debunks Two-Wheeler Toll Rumors Nationwide

  • Gadkari clarifies no toll proposed for two-wheelers
  • Highway infrastructure expanded by 60% since 2014
  • New annual FASTag pass launched for four-wheelers
2 min read

No toll proposed for 2-wheelers, says Nitin Gadkari amid viral reports

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dismisses viral reports about mandatory toll for two-wheelers on national highways

No toll proposed for 2-wheelers, says Nitin Gadkari amid viral reports
"Spreading such baseless news without verifying the facts is not responsible journalism. - Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, June 26

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday dismissed media reports suggesting that two-wheelers will be required to pay tolls on National Highways from July 15.

He called the reports misleading and clarified that no such proposal is under consideration.

Taking to social media platform X, the Union Minister said: "Some media houses are spreading misleading news about toll tax being levied on two-wheelers. No such decision has been proposed."

"Two-wheelers will continue to be exempt from tolls. Spreading such baseless news without verifying the facts is not responsible journalism. I strongly condemn it," the Union Minister stated.

The clarification comes after a report claimed that toll payment would soon be made mandatory for two-wheelers at all national highway toll plazas, and that riders would need to equip their vehicles with FASTag.

The report also claimed that violators could face penalties of up to Rs 2,000. This comes just days after Gadkari announced a new annual FASTag pass worth Rs 3,000 for private four-wheelers, aimed at simplifying toll payments and reducing congestion.

Set to launch on August 15, the pass will be valid for one year or 200 trips -- whichever comes first -- and can be activated via the Rajmarg Yatra app or official websites of the NHAI and the MoRTH.

The government has significantly expanded its highway infrastructure in the last decade, with the total length of national highways increasing from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km in 2024 -- a rise of over 60 per cent.

The pace of highway construction has also tripled from 11.6 km/day in 2014 to 34 km/day in 2024.

As of now, 1,366 highway projects covering 32,366 km are under construction across the country, many of which are expected to be completed in phases by FY 2028.

With a 570 per cent increase in the road transport and highways budget over the last decade, the Centre continues to prioritise infrastructure development -- but for now, two-wheeler riders can rest assured that tolls are not on the horizon.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good clarification by Gadkari ji! Two-wheelers are mostly used by middle-class and students. Toll would have been unfair burden. But media should be more responsible before spreading such rumors. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I'm relieved about no toll for bikes, I wish the government would focus more on improving road safety for two-wheelers. Our highways still feel dangerous for smaller vehicles. Better dividers and bike lanes needed!
A
Amit S.
The highway expansion numbers are impressive, but what about maintenance? Many new roads develop potholes within months. Quality should match quantity. Still, good decision on keeping two-wheelers toll-free.
S
Sunita R.
As a college student who commutes daily on scooter, this is such a relief! 🛵 Media needs to fact-check properly before causing panic. The FASTag pass for cars seems like a good idea though - hope it reduces traffic jams at tolls.
V
Vikram J.
While infrastructure development is good, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of so many highways. What about promoting public transport? Two-wheelers should remain toll-free, but we need greener alternatives too.
N
Neha P.
The Rs 3000 FASTag pass for cars is reasonable considering fuel prices these days. But imagine if they had implemented toll for bikes - would have been disaster for delivery workers and daily wage earners. Sensible decision!

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