India is experiencing a major infrastructure revolution. With the rapid construction of highways, expressways, and national roads, toll plazas have become a common part of travel. But there’s good news for drivers—the Indian government has introduced a clear rule that aims to reduce the number of toll plazas and prevent travelers from paying too frequently.
This article explains the new rule by NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), the logic behind the 60-kilometer distance, what happens if queues get too long, and how toll taxes are different from road taxes.
Why This Rule Was Needed
Imagine you’re on a highway and you just paid a toll, but after only 25 or 30 kilometers, you’re asked to pay again. This is frustrating and expensive, especially for regular travelers. Many people raised complaints about this issue.
To make highway travel more convenient and cost-effective, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has enforced a standard rule:
There should be at least 60 kilometers of distance between two toll plazas on the same highway.
This rule is part of the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008, and is meant to ensure fair toll collection and avoid placing an unfair burden on drivers.
What Exactly Is the 60-Kilometer Rule?
The 60-kilometer rule means that on any national highway or expressway, two toll booths must not be placed less than 60 kilometers apart.
Key Points of the Rule:
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A toll plaza should not be located within 60 km of another toll plaza on the same route.
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If two toll booths exist within 60 km, one of them must be removed or made inactive—unless there is a valid reason.
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This rule applies to all newly constructed and existing highways unless special conditions apply.
Confirmed by Nitin Gadkari:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has clearly stated in interviews and in Parliament that this rule must be followed to ensure transparency and traveler satisfaction.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the 60 km rule is strict, the government has allowed some exceptions. These exceptions are made in special situations where:
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Urban Traffic Issues:
In cities and highly congested areas, sometimes two toll plazas need to be placed within 60 km to manage traffic better. -
Geographical Challenges:
In hilly, forested, or border regions, there may be space or safety constraints that force toll plazas to be placed closer. -
Multiple Entry or Exit Points:
On complex highways with many connecting routes, toll collection needs to happen at more than one point within a 60-km range.
In such cases, special approval is required from the Ministry or NHAI.
What If There’s a Long Queue at a Toll Booth?
Another important rule introduced by NHAI deals with traffic jams at toll plazas. If the queue of vehicles extends beyond 100 meters, then toll collection must be stopped temporarily, and all vehicles must be allowed to pass without paying.
How does this work?
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Every toll plaza has a yellow line painted 100 meters before the booth.
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If the queue reaches beyond that line, it means the traffic is too long.
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In that situation, toll operators must open the barrier and let vehicles pass for free until the queue reduces.
Why was this rule introduced?
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To save time for travelers.
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To prevent long traffic jams and pollution caused by idling vehicles.
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To ensure smoother flow on highways, especially during peak hours or holidays.
Maximum Time Allowed:
NHAI has also set a rule that toll payment should not take more than 10 seconds per vehicle. This helps avoid delays.
FASTag and Technology in Toll Collection
India has moved towards digital toll payments through FASTag, an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping.
Benefits of FASTag:
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Faster processing (within 10 seconds).
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Less congestion at toll booths.
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SMS alerts for each transaction.
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Reduces human errors and chances of overcharging.
More than 90% of toll transactions in India now happen via FASTag.
But remember: Even with FASTag, if the queue exceeds 100 meters, you do not need to pay the toll.
Difference Between Toll Tax and Road Tax
Many people confuse toll tax and road tax, but they are two different things.
| Type of Tax | Paid To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Road Tax | State RTO (Regional Transport Office) | For using public roads inside a state |
| Toll Tax | NHAI or private companies | For using specific highways, expressways, or flyovers |
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Road Tax is usually paid once, during vehicle registration, and is valid for a few years or lifetime depending on the state.
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Toll Tax is paid each time you use a particular toll road or bridge.
Example:
If you drive from Delhi to Jaipur, you will pay toll tax at specific points on the highway. But your road tax (paid at the time of buying your vehicle) is not related to these tolls.
How to Know Toll Plazas and Their Distances
If you want to check toll booth locations and their distances before a trip, you can use these tools:
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NHAI Website:
Visit www.nhai.gov.in for toll plaza information. -
FASTag Apps:
Paytm, Google Pay, or PhonePe apps show toll charges and booth locations. -
Google Maps:
Toll roads are marked on Google Maps, including expected toll charges. -
NHAI Helpline:
You can call the NHAI toll-free number for complaints or inquiries.
Complaints and Action Against Rule Violations
If you find that:
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Two toll plazas are placed within 60 km without valid reason
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You're charged toll despite being stuck in a 100+ meter queue
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Toll is being collected manually without FASTag
Then you can file a complaint to NHAI through:
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Toll-free number: 1033
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Email or WhatsApp (available on the NHAI site)
The government takes such complaints seriously, and strict actions are taken against toll operators who violate the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can there be two toll plazas within 60 kilometers?
Yes, but only in special conditions approved by NHAI or the ministry.
Q2: What is the yellow line rule?
If the vehicle queue crosses the 100-meter yellow line before the booth, toll becomes free temporarily.
Q3: Do I still pay toll if I already paid road tax?
Yes. Toll tax is separate and is only for using specific roads built or maintained by private companies or NHAI.
Q4: What should I do if I’m wrongly charged?
You can raise a complaint with NHAI. Attach proof like toll receipts, time stamps, or photos if possible.
Final Thoughts
The Indian government is actively working to make highway travel more efficient, affordable, and fair. The 60-kilometer toll rule, free toll during long queues, and FASTag system are all part of this mission.
As a traveler, knowing these rules gives you the power to protect your rights and avoid unnecessary charges. It also helps ensure that toll operators follow the law and maintain better standards.
Share this article with your friends and family who frequently travel by road.
Because the more people know the rules, the better our roads become.
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