Highway to Face ‘Quality Test’ Before Toll Collection

The government is planning a new system under which toll collection on newly built highways and expressways could begin only after the road passes a two- to three-month trial run.
During the trial period, motorists will be allowed to use the road without paying toll charges. The move is aimed at identifying construction defects, safety issues and other shortcomings before the road is formally opened for toll collection.

The proposal was discussed during a review meeting on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project chaired by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. He directed NHAI officials, contractors and consultants to ensure that there is no compromise on construction quality.

Officials said the extended trial run would begin only after construction work and safety audits are completed. Similar arrangements have already been tested on parts of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Dwarka Expressway tunnel.

The move comes after incidents of newly constructed roads developing cracks, potholes and other defects soon after inauguration. Toll collection on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway was recently suspended after road quality issues were reported.

The new approach is expected to protect government revenue, improve road quality and ensure safer, smoother journeys for commuters before tolls are imposed.