Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the Central government’s announcement that private cars can pay an annual toll of ₹3,000 and 15-year toll of ₹30,000 for hassle-free travel on national highways.
In a press statement, Chamber president N. Jegatheesan said India had 1,041 toll plazas along 1,46,145 km of national highways. In Tamil Nadu, there were 72 toll plazas. But the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had announced plans to increase this number to 90, raising concerns among the public.
Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said starting April 1, 2025, private car owners who paid a one-time toll of ₹3,000 per year or ₹30,000 for 15 years would be able to travel on national highways without paying any additional toll at any toll plaza nationwide.
In the current situation where there was dissatisfaction among the public regarding the high toll collected for vehicles, the announcement was a great relief to both the public and the industry, he said.
Under the present system, a local pass could be obtained for ₹340 per month, allowing unlimited crossings at nearby toll plazas. This amounted to an annual cost of ₹4,080. However, the new scheme announced offered an annual pass only for ₹3,000. These passes would be integrated with an electronic system for efficient operation. The NHAI had clarified that this system would not result in any loss of revenue, he said.
Published – February 07, 2025 11:12 pm IST