MoRTH issues strict directive to enforce toll plaza distance rules nationwide

In response to growing public complaints about the arbitrary placement of toll plazas across national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a formal directive to enforce stricter compliance with existing toll policy regulations.

The new circular, circulated to all highway development agencies and concessionaires this week, reiterates that the minimum distance between two toll plazas on national highways must not be less than 60 kilometers. Furthermore, it mandates that no toll booth should be established within 10 kilometers of a municipal boundary, except under exceptional circumstances.

While these rules have long been part of national toll policy, their enforcement has been inconsistent. Multiple reports in recent months highlighted instances where toll booths were found operating too close to one another, or set up near urban peripheries—violating the laid-out norms and frustrating regular commuters.

In its latest directive, MoRTH has emphasized that any exception to the distance norms will now require detailed justification and multi-tiered approvals, before any such toll plaza is allowed to operate.

"It is essential that toll plazas are placed in accordance with the approved policy to avoid undue burden on commuters and maintain fairness in toll collection," the ministry stated in its circular.

Highway authorities have also been instructed to ensure that these criteria are strictly considered during the planning and sanctioning stages of any highway or expressway project. The ministry has warned of potential action against agencies found violating the policy.

The move comes amid increasing pressure from road users, particularly in peri-urban and semi-rural zones, where back-to-back toll plazas and proximity to city limits have led to higher travel costs and public dissatisfaction.