The government’s decision to declare various roads toll-free from 2025 is a welcome move that promises relief for daily commuters and transporters alike. This initiative is expected to reduce the economic burden on travellers and encourage economic activities across regions. As per a recent briefing from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, portions of over 120 national and state highways will be toll-free, aiming to reduce long queues at toll plazas, ensure smoother traffic flow, and cut travel costs for both passengers and goods carriers.
Toll-Free Highway Expansion in 2025 to Boost Connectivity and Cut Travel Costs
Major changes include toll exemption in the Delhi-NCR region, covering expressways such as Gurugram-Sohna and parts of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. In Maharashtra, certain routes connecting Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane will be toll-free. In southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, several highways leading to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are also included. Northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh will see toll exemptions on internal networks to improve city-to-city transit. Additionally, stretches within the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) will be toll-free, easing goods transportation along critical industrial routes.
This transformation is motivated by several factors: reducing transportation costs for small businesses and logistics companies, saving fuel and travel time, and lowering vehicular emissions. It is also seen as a response to public protests against high toll charges at multiple entry points. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that making transport affordable and efficient is a key objective of the government, and this move is a step toward that vision.
Selective Toll Continuation for Expressways and Premium Highways
However, tolls will continue to apply on expressways and premium highways where high infrastructure investment recovery and facility maintenance are required. The full list of toll-free roads is available on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website and state transport portals.
Summary:
From 2025, over 120 national and state highways will go toll-free to ease travel, cut costs, and boost economic activity. Key routes across Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, and southern and northern states are included. However, tolls will remain on premium expressways for infrastructure cost recovery and maintenance.
