Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said toll plazas across national highways will soon operate with "zero waiting time",
as the government moves to roll out a fully automated toll collection system using advanced technology. Speaking at the Times Network India Economic Conclave 2025, Gadkari responded to a question comparing toll delays with a pizza company's promise of free delivery if orders arrived late. Asked whether tolls would be free if motorists had to wait more than five minutes, the minister said the issue had already been addressed. Gadkari said that by December 26, vehicles would no longer need to stop at toll plazas. Instead, cameras would capture vehicle details and toll charges would be automatically deducted from linked bank accounts. He said vehicles would be able to pass through toll points at speeds of 60 to 80 kilometres per hour without any physical barriers. He said India currently has around 1,000 toll plazas, of which about 300 are operated by private entities and roughly 650 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He said 10 projects have already been awarded to modernise the system and directed authorities to complete all works within a year. The minister said the entire toll network would be integrated with new technology, eliminating delays altogether. "There is no need to wait," Gadkari said, adding that the new system would significantly improve travel efficiency on national highways. Watch Gadkari's take here:
About The Times Network India Economic Conclave 2025
Over the past decade, the Times Network India Economic Conclave has emerged as a premier platform shaping India’s economic dialogue, with its themes often influencing national policy debates and public discourse. Now in its 11th edition, the conclave’s theme for 2025 is “Navigating Geoeconomics.” The event brings together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and global influencers to explore strategies for accelerating India’s economic growth.
IEC 2025 is presented by IDFC FIRST Bank, with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham as Knowledge Partner and the World Gold Council as Gold Investment Partner. Other partners include Radico (Celebration Partner), Axis Max Life Insurance (Insurance Partner), Adani (Associate Partner), the Government of Uttar Pradesh (Growth Partner), and NBCC (Infrastructure Partner).
