Significant Benefits for Long-Distance Travellers
According to the new rules, if these structures (bridges, tunnels, flyovers, or elevated roads) are present on highways, the toll will be calculated in two ways. First, by multiplying the length of the structure by ten and adding it to the length of the other road, or second, by multiplying the entire length of the structure by five. The lower of the two will be the basis for calculating the toll. This rule will benefit expressway or long-distance travellers the most.
Illustrative Example
For instance, if the total length of a National Highway structure is 40 kilometres and it is entirely a structure (such as a tunnel or flyover), the new calculation would be: 10 × 40 = 400 kilometres and 5 × 40 = 200 kilometres. The lower value (200 kilometres) will now be used as the basis for calculating the toll. This means that in this situation, the toll fee will be reduced by up to 50%.
Previous System
Under the previous rules, travellers had to pay ten times the toll on sections with these structures. The intention was to recover the cost of these expensive construction projects. An NHAI official stated that the new rule has been introduced due to its impact on the public’s finances.