No toll for 3 months; highways to undergo a 'fitness test' before inauguration

Toll Tax: Under this new government rule, expressways will no longer be opened in haste. Before inauguration, new highways must undergo a 'fitness test' lasting 2–3 months. Toll collection will commence only after any deficiencies are rectified.

Highway Toll Charge News: Recently, there have been reports that newly constructed highways and expressways are experiencing subsidence, potholes, and waterlogging shortly after their inauguration.

In light of premature road deterioration, wheel ruts, and other defects, the Government of India (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) is planning to conduct a 2–3 month trial run or road test before inauguration. No toll will be charged to vehicles during this period. This means that any flaws in the road will be identified and rectified before the formal launch.

Why did the government take this decision?

Defects were recently observed shortly after the inauguration of major projects like the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway and the Dehradun Expressway. The government believes it is unfair for the public to face difficulties and pay tolls on roads that have immediate issues after opening; therefore, a road test will now be conducted to ensure the accountability of contractors and consultants. If subsidence, drainage issues, or potholes occur during this 2–3 month trial run, the contractor will be required to carry out repairs at their own expense.

No toll to be paid

Toll will not be collected on the stretch until the highway successfully passes the test and is officially inaugurated. According to a TOI report, an official stated, "Conducting a long trial run is beneficial as it allows for the identification and rectification of issues—such as land subsidence, potholes, or drainage problems—in any section, particularly during the monsoon season." Taking this matter seriously, the government has completely suspended toll collection on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway. This step was taken following defects in construction work and repeated road cave-ins caused by rain along the corridor. Now, no toll will be charged to the public until the expressway is fully repaired.