In a major relief for long-distance commuters, toll charges on stretches of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway that are still under construction are set to be
reduced by up to 50%, as per media reports. The move aims to ease the financial burden on motorists who are forced to use narrowed roads and face frequent diversions during the expansion phase. The finance ministry has cleared a proposal from the road transport and highways ministry to halve toll rates on two-lane highways being widened to four lanes. Currently, users pay about 60% of the normal national highway toll on such stretches. With the new approval, tolls will soon be cut further to just 30% during the construction period, reflecting the reduced quality of service available to commuters, reported The Times of India. Also Read: Delhi Temperature Dips to 3.2°C: Dense Fog, Cold Wave and 'Very Poor' AQI Grip City - Check AQI in Your Area Partially opened expressways, including key sections of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, will also see a significant cut in user fees. Instead of being charged 1.25 times the toll of regular national highways, motorists will now pay the same rate as other NH stretches. This change will apply for up to one year or until the expressway becomes fully operational, whichever comes earlier. Officials said the high toll rates were discouraging vehicles, especially heavy commercial traffic, from using the expressway. The reduced toll is expected to improve traffic flow and make the Delhi–Mumbai corridor more attractive for freight and long-haul travel. The finance ministry has also directed the highways ministry to strictly monitor construction timelines and impose penalties on contractors for delays, the media report added. A decision on whether to continue the reduced toll beyond one year will be taken based on actual traffic usage once the revised rates come into effect.
