India planning new toll charges for national highways

India's road transport minister, Nitin Gadkari, announced plans for a new toll charging system on national highways. The goal is to offer annual and lifetime toll options, which will help improve travel efficiency. The government is considering satellite-based tolling to enhance security and operational control. Gadkari mentioned that the new policy will aim to provide reasonable discounts for highway users and resolve current toll-related issues. Under the proposed system, an annual toll will cost about Rs 3,000, while a 15-year toll could be around Rs 30,000, paid upfront. Gadkari emphasized that tolls are necessary to fund road infrastructure improvements. He stated that the policies from 2008 prevent toll plazas on the same highway section from being built within 60 kilometers of each other. The minister assured that the new toll policy will address consumer concerns and eliminate debates about toll charges. In the last fiscal year, India's toll collection reached Rs 64,809.86 crore, showing a significant increase from the previous year. Regarding satellite tolling, Gadkari noted that additional technology and infrastructure would be required to achieve high levels of accuracy. The government is looking into automatic systems for easier toll payment and traffic flow.