Recently, there have been some media reports suggesting that tolls will be levied on two-wheelers from July 15 onwards. Now, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, have clarified that these reports are false, and no such proposal is under consideration.
- Two-wheelers will continue to be exempt from toll charges
- Minister condemns fake reports about toll charges
Bikes and Scooters will be exempt from toll charges
Reports about toll charges for two-wheelers are incorrect
In the past week or so, multiple media outlets reported that bikes and scooters would be subjected to toll July 15 onwards, just like other road users when travelling on Indian highways. This must have surely come as unwelcome news to the average two-wheeler user, who is typically far more cost-sensitive than a car user.
NHAI and Gadkari have now swiftly and authoritatively clarified that no such proposal was ever under consideration and that these reports hold no substance. NHAI’s statement on social media read, “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.”
Gadkari’s message put out on social media (translated) read, “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed. The exemption on tolls 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. I condemn this.”
Hormazd Sorabjee
Anurag Chaturvedi
