Report of the Committee of Secretaries on Review of Toll Policy for National Highways

Abstract

Levy and collection of fee for use of the redeveloped and augmented sections of national highways was introduced in 1997 under the provisions of the National Highways Act. Over time, some deficiencies and anomalies came to light and it was, therefore, decided to review the tolling framework. The need for a comprehensive toll policy had also assumed greater significance in the context of an expanded National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) which envisaged bulk of the investment from Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) where toll revenues constitute the mainstay of financial viability. The Committee on Infrastructure (Col), in its meeting held on January 13, 2005 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, decided that an Empowered Committee of Secretaries (COS) chaired by the Cabinet Secretary would review the extant toll policy. In pursuance of the Col directive.