Are toll plazas too close on National Highways? Govt says 60 km rule applies, with exceptions

The Union government has clarified that toll plazas on National Highways are required to maintain a minimum distance of 60 Km from each other on the same highway section and in the same direction, except in specific circumstances permitted under existing rules.

The clarification came in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (29 January).

Responding to questions raised by MP Sougata Ray, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that toll plazas are established in accordance with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

According to the minister, sub-Rule (2) of Rule 8 stipulates that any other fee plaza on the same section of a National Highway and in the same direction shall not be established within a distance of 60 Km.

Read also : 405 National Highway projects covering 8,403 km targeted for completion by March 2026: Govt

However, the minister clarified that the rules allow exceptions. Where the executing authority records reasons in writing, another fee plaza may be established within the 60 Km limit if it is meant for fee collection for permanent structures such as bridges, bypasses or tunnels.

“The proviso to the said Rule states that where the executing authority deems necessary, it may for reasons to be recorded in writing, establish or allow the concessionaire to establish another fee plaza within a distance of 60 km and also within a distance of 60 km from another fee plaza if such fee plaza is for collection of fee for a permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel,” the minister said.

The minister also noted that in the case of a closed user fee collection system, fee plazas can be established anywhere on the National Highways.

The minister further explained that the location of toll plazas is decided based on detailed analysis, including land availability, forest area, minimum diversion of traffic, municipal limits, safety considerations and road geometry.

He added that user fee is collected at the fee plaza depending on the project influence length of the respective project, and not on its specific location within the project influence length.

On public concerns regarding the toll booths, the minister said that the government receives representations regarding the location of fee plazas and such representations are examined and addressed appropriately in accordance with extant rules and guidelines.

Read also : India’s Road Infrastructure Activity Gains Pace As PWDs And BRO Widen Over 1,650 Km Between April And November 2025