The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unequivocally dismissed reports claiming that two-wheelers will be charged toll tax on national highways from July 15. Issuing a clarification via an official fact-check, the authority confirmed that no such proposal is under consideration and issued an advisory for the readers to always verify with official sources before believing such viral news.

This clarification comes in response to viral claims on social media that mentioned a FASTag-based toll system for motorcycles and scooters, set to begin mid-july. These viral reports also include potential toll fee structures for two-wheelers, the same has now been dismissed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also took to social media to clarify the viral fake news. “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing a toll tax on two-wheelers. No such decision is proposed. Complete exemption on toll for two-wheelers will continue,” Gadkari wrote on X.

ALSO READ

“Road tax is already collected from two-wheeler owners at the time of purchase, which is why tolls are not charged from them on national highways,” he added.

Gadkari further condemned the spread of fake news being circulated by some social media influencers. Creating sensation by spreading misleading news without knowing the truth is not a sign of healthy journalism. I condemn it,” he remarked.

ALSO READ

Govt set to introduce a FASTag-based Annual Pass

In other news, the government is poised to roll out a FASTag-based Annual Pass, aiming to significantly ease the financial strain on commuters and streamline travel by eliminating the need for stops at toll plazas.

This new annual pass scheme will allow commuters to travel across 200 toll plazas on National Highways for a mere Rs 3,000 annually, a considerable reduction from the previous average of Rs 10,000. The scheme is set to come into effect on August 15.

Minister Gadkari has further stated that this new system reduces the average toll cost to a meagre Rs 15 per crossing, a substantial decrease from current rates. As per his statement, this innovative system is projected to save regular highway users up to Rs 7,000 annually.