Toll Charges : In a decisive move to combat misinformation, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday dismissed media reports suggesting that two-wheelers will be required to pay tolls on National Highways from July 15. The clarification came amid widespread viral reports that had caused significant concern among millions of two-wheeler users across India.
Government’s Official Stand on Two-Wheeler Toll Exemption
Taking to social media platform X, the Union Minister said: “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about toll tax being levied on two-wheelers. No such decision has been proposed.” The minister’s statement was unequivocal in its rejection of the circulating reports.
Gadkari clarified that no such proposal is under consideration and assured the public that the complete exemption from toll for two-wheelers will continue. This reassurance comes as a relief to millions of commuters who depend on motorcycles and scooters for their daily transportation needs.
NHAI’s Fact-Check Response
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) also issued a clarification on reported imposition of toll tax on two-wheelers, labeling the viral reports as fake news. #FactCheck: Some sections of the media have reported that the Government of India plans to levy user fees on two-wheelers. #NHAI would like to clarify that no such proposal is under consideration. There are no plans to introduce toll charges for two-wheelers.
The authority took to social media to address the growing confusion and ensure that accurate information reached the public.
The Viral Misinformation Campaign
Origins of the False Reports
भारतीय राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग प्राधिकरण ने दोपहिया वाहनों पर टोल शुल्क लगाए जाने की खबरों का खंडन करते हुए मीडिया के कुछ वर्गों से ऐसी सभी रिपोर्टों को झूठा बताया. The false reports had claimed that two-wheelers would be required to pay tolls through the FASTag system from July 15.
These misleading reports suggested several concerning changes:
- Mandatory FASTag installation for two-wheelers
- Digital toll collection starting July 15, 2025
- End of the traditional toll exemption for motorcycles and scooters
- Integration of two-wheelers into the existing toll infrastructure
Impact on Public Sentiment
The rumours about toll tax being imposed on two-wheelers had caused widespread concern among commuters, especially those from low-income backgrounds who rely heavily on motorcycles and scooters for daily travel. Two-wheelers represent a significant portion of India’s vehicular traffic and have historically been exempt from tolls to support affordability.
Current Toll Policy for Two-Wheelers
Exemption Status Remains Unchanged
Traditionally, two-wheelers have been exempt from tolls on most highways and expressways, a policy aimed at easing financial pressure on lower-income commuters and reducing congestion at toll plazas. This policy continues to remain in effect despite the viral misinformation.
Existing Restrictions and Exemptions
| Vehicle Type | National Highways | Expressways | Special Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheelers | Toll-Free | Restricted on some (Mumbai-Pune, Vadodara-Ahmedabad) | Registration fee includes lifetime toll |
| Four-Wheelers | Toll Required | Toll Required | FASTag mandatory |
| Commercial Vehicles | Toll Required | Toll Required | Higher rates apply |
According to the reports, the people who travel via two-wheelers do not have to pay tolls on national highways, but the Road Ministry has declined access to several express highways, such as the Vadodara-Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Pune expressways.
Minister’s Criticism of Irresponsible Journalism
Condemnation of Misleading Reports
“Two-wheelers will continue to be exempt from tolls. Spreading such baseless news without verifying the facts is not responsible journalism. I strongly condemn it,” the Union Minister stated. This strong statement reflects the government’s concern about the spread of unverified information.
Nitin Gadkari’s statement on social media was unequivocal: “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed. The exemption on toll for two-wheeler vehicles will continue fully. Spreading misleading news without verifying the truth to create a sensation is not a sign of healthy journalism”.
Call for Fact Verification
The incident highlights the critical importance of fact-checking in journalism and the potential consequences of spreading unverified information. The minister’s criticism underscores the government’s expectation that media outlets should verify information before publication.
Upcoming FASTag Developments
New Annual Pass for Four-Wheelers
While two-wheelers remain exempt from tolls, India’s electronic toll collection system, FASTag, will soon offer a more convenient travel option through the launch of an annual pass. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently announced that the new FASTag Annual Pass will be available for purchase from August 15.
FASTag Annual Pass Features:
- Price: Rs 3,000
- Validity: 200 trips or one year (whichever comes first)
- Applicable to: Non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans)
- Launch Date: August 15, 2025
- Activation: Via Rajmarg Yatra app and official websites
However, the pass will only be valid at National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)-operated toll plazas.
Infrastructure Development Context
Highway Expansion Progress
With a 570 per cent increase in the road transport and highways budget over the last decade, the Centre continues to prioritise infrastructure development — but for now, two-wheeler riders can rest assured that tolls are not on the horizon.
The government has significantly expanded its highway infrastructure in the last decade, with the total length of national highways increasing from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km in 2024 — a rise of over 60 per cent. The pace of highway construction has also tripled from 11.6 km/day in 2014 to 34 km/day in 2024.
Ongoing Projects
As of now, 1,366 highway projects covering 32,366 km are under construction across the country, many of which are expected to be completed in phases by FY 2028.
The swift clarification by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and NHAI serves as a crucial fact-check against the spread of misinformation. Two-wheelers make up a significant portion of India’s road traffic and have historically been exempt from tolls to support affordability and reduce congestion at toll plazas. The government’s commitment to maintaining this exemption reflects its understanding of the socio-economic importance of affordable transportation for millions of Indians.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information from official sources before believing or sharing news, particularly in the digital age where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will two-wheelers have to pay tolls from July 15, 2025? A: No, this is false information. Minister Nitin Gadkari and NHAI have confirmed that two-wheelers will continue to remain exempt from toll charges on national highways.
Q2: Is FASTag becoming mandatory for two-wheelers? A: No, there is no mandate for two-wheelers to install FASTag. The toll exemption policy for motorcycles and scooters remains unchanged.
Q3: What is the new FASTag Annual Pass announced by the government? A: The Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass launching August 15, 2025, is only for four-wheeler private vehicles and allows 200 toll-free trips or one year of validity at NHAI-operated toll plazas.
