Government targets barrier-free tolling by 2028-29 to boost highway efficiency

The Union government has set an ambitious goal to implement barrier-free tolling across all four-lane and high-speed national highways by 2028-29, aiming to enhance the efficiency of cargo movement and improve user convenience. The announcement was highlighted in the Economic Survey 2024-25, presented to Parliament on January 31.

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This initiative is part of the government’s push to modernize road infrastructure and streamline toll collection. Traditional toll booths will be replaced with digitized systems, paving the way for faster and seamless travel. The move aligns with the government’s previous declaration to equip India’s highways with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. To achieve this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already sought international participation for the implementation of GNSS-based tolling.

While plans for barrier-free tolling progress, the Economic Survey noted a slowdown in highway construction during the current fiscal year. Between April and December 2024, 5,853 kilometers of national highways were constructed, compared to 6,215 kilometers during the same period last year.

The Survey also provided a broader assessment of the road transport sector, emphasizing the importance of user-centric policies in driving economic growth. With barrier-free tolling, the government aims to address inefficiencies in highway logistics and accelerate the movement of goods, supporting India’s overall economic objectives.