New Rules Applied for Nationwide Road Development and Toll Collection
In a significant decision aimed at easing the burden on commuters and promoting hassle-free travel, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has implemented new guidelines for toll collection across the country. These guidelines include provisions for exempting same-city residents and nearby owners from paying toll taxes.
Why Toll Tax is Collected?
Toll tax is primarily collected to recover the construction and maintenance costs of national highways. These funds are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of roads, ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation network across the country.
Avoid Toll by Following These Rules:
100-Meter Rule:
To prevent vehicles from entering and exiting the highway solely to avoid paying toll, a 100-meter rule has been implemented. Vehicles that enter and exit the highway within a distance of 100 meters will not be exempted from toll charges.
Toll Tax Exemption for Nearby Residents:
Residents living within a radius of 20 kilometers from a toll plaza are now eligible for toll tax exemption. To avail of this exemption, residents must submit valid address proof and vehicle registration documents to the toll authority. They will be issued a monthly pass, allowing them unlimited toll-free passage within the specified period.
Monthly Pass:
The monthly pass initiative simplifies the toll payment process for frequent commuters, eliminating the need to pay toll charges each time they pass through the plaza. This not only saves time but also reduces the hassle and potential congestion at toll booths
Key takeaways:-
To avoid paying toll tax, vehicle owners can follow these simple rules:
- If you are a resident of the same city as the toll plaza, you can apply for a monthly pass.
- If you live within a 20-kilometer radius of the toll plaza, you can also apply for a monthly pass.
- If the toll plaza is located within 100 meters of a city or town boundary, you are exempt from paying toll tax
RTO Efforts for Execution:
The RTO (Regional Transport Office) is playing a crucial role in implementing these new guidelines and ensuring their smooth execution. RTO officials are conducting regular inspections at toll plazas to verify the eligibility of exempted vehicles and address any discrepancies. They are also working closely with toll authorities to streamline the process of issuing monthly passes for nearby residents.
The MoRTH is committed to developing a world-class road infrastructure in India. As part of this effort, the government is constructing new highways and upgrading existing ones. Toll tax is collected on these highways to recover the construction and maintenance costs.
These new guidelines are a welcome step towards rationalising toll collection and providing relief to commuters. By exempting same-city residents and nearby owners from paying toll taxes, the government aims to reduce congestion and promote efficient road usage. The RTO’s efforts in implementing these guidelines are commendable and will ensure that the benefits of these exemptions reach the intended beneficiaries.