From the Iconic Grand Trunk Road to India’s Longest Highway — Top 10 Toll Plazas Across the Country Collect Rs 14,000 Crore in 5 Years

Over the past five years, India’s top 10 toll plazas have collectively generated a staggering Rs 14,000 crore, showcasing the country’s expanding road infrastructure and the rising dependence on toll collection for maintaining and upgrading national highways. These toll plazas, situated on some of the most strategic and busiest routes, including the historic Grand Trunk Road and India’s longest highway, have become pivotal sources of revenue for the government. The figures highlight the scale and impact of toll collection, which has become a cornerstone of India’s road financing model.

The Grand Trunk Road and India’s Longest Highway

Among the roads contributing significantly to toll collection, the Grand Trunk Road holds a place of historical importance. Spanning over 2,500 kilometers, it is one of the oldest and most significant highways in India, connecting the eastern and northern parts of the country. Serving as a critical lifeline for trade, commerce, and travel, it has a mix of both older and newly developed sections, many of which now feature toll booths to fund the road’s maintenance and expansion.

India’s longest highway, which stretches across the country from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, is another key contributor to the toll revenue. This highway, along with many of the other prominent routes across the country, sees a continuous flow of traffic due to its importance for both long-distance travel and commercial transportation. With heavy vehicular traffic, these roads generate substantial toll income, which has been invested back into the development and upkeep of road infrastructure.

Toll Plazas and Their Contribution

Toll collection has become a vital means of financing infrastructure projects in India. The money raised through toll plazas goes directly toward road maintenance, upgrades, and new constructions, thereby improving the overall quality and safety of the highways. In many cases, toll revenues have also been used to build new expressways, modernize older highways, and improve connectivity between key urban and rural regions.

The top 10 toll plazas, which span various states and cities, are located on major expressways and highways, including sections of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. These roads serve millions of vehicles daily, and the revenue generated from toll collection plays a critical role in reducing the financial burden on the government while ensuring that the roads remain in good condition.

The Rise of Electronic Toll Collection

One of the major advancements in toll collection over the past few years has been the shift towards electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. The introduction of the FASTag system, which allows for cashless toll payments via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, has significantly streamlined toll collection and improved efficiency. This system has not only sped up traffic flow at toll booths but also increased revenue collection, as it reduces the chances of evasion and ensures that all vehicles pay their tolls.

The implementation of FASTags on national highways has helped reduce congestion at toll plazas, minimizing delays for commuters and commercial vehicle operators. It has also provided the government with a more accurate and transparent way of tracking toll revenues, allowing for better monitoring and auditing of funds.

Boosting Road Infrastructure and Economic Growth

The revenue collected at these toll plazas plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s ambitious infrastructure development projects. With the increase in toll collections, there has been a marked improvement in the quality of roads and highways across the country. The funds generated are used for road repairs, expansion projects, and the creation of new expressways that aim to cut down travel time and boost economic activity by improving connectivity.

The growth in toll revenues reflects not only the success of road privatization and public-private partnerships (PPPs) but also the increasing reliance on road transportation for freight and passenger travel. India’s road network is the second-largest in the world, and as more goods and people travel across the country, maintaining and expanding the road network has become more vital than ever.

The Role of Toll Revenue in Government’s Long-Term Goals

The Indian government has set ambitious goals for infrastructure development, and toll collection is expected to be a key enabler of these plans. The government’s focus on upgrading roads and highways, creating expressways, and improving rural-urban connectivity is directly linked to the ability to generate sustainable revenue streams, such as tolls. The Rs 14,000 crore generated over five years is not just a figure but a testament to the success of tolling as a financing tool for infrastructure.

The revenue from these toll plazas is also contributing to India’s broader economic goals by facilitating smoother transportation networks. Improved roads and highways lead to faster delivery of goods, reduced fuel consumption, and better connectivity, all of which contribute to economic growth.

Public Concerns and Future Directions

While toll collection has led to numerous improvements in road infrastructure, it has also raised concerns among the public, particularly over the cost of tolls and the efficiency of toll collection. Critics argue that toll charges can be burdensome for frequent commuters, particularly in regions where toll booths are dense. Additionally, there are concerns about the transparency of toll revenue utilization.

In response, the government is increasingly focusing on making the tolling system more transparent, with stricter regulations on how toll revenues are used and periodic audits of toll collection practices. Moreover, as the government continues to focus on digitizing toll payments, the hope is to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce the impact on regular commuters.

Conclusion

India’s toll plazas have become more than just fee-collection points—they are pivotal in driving the country’s road infrastructure development. With the top 10 toll plazas generating Rs 14,000 crore in just five years, the funds collected are fueling the expansion and modernization of highways across the nation. As road infrastructure continues to evolve and new technologies like FASTag improve efficiency, tolls will remain an essential component of India’s long-term transportation strategy. However, as with any large-scale revenue collection mechanism, ensuring transparency and fairness in toll collection will be key to maintaining public support and continuing the progress seen in road development.