Free Travel From 2025 : Starting in 2025, road travel across India is set to get a lot lighter on your wallet. The central government has announced a major move to scrap toll charges on over 120 national and state highway routes, a step aimed at easing travel costs, reducing congestion, and boosting economic activity in key regions.
This policy will touch lives in Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and many other states—bringing a huge sigh of relief to daily commuters, transporters, and local businesses.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this new toll-free initiative covers a range of important roads, including expressways and highways that serve high-traffic areas.
The goal is simple: get rid of those long waits at toll booths, cut fuel consumption, and make travel smoother and more affordable. This move comes in response to rising public frustration over increasing toll charges, which have led to protests and growing pressure on the government.
In Delhi-NCR, key expressways like Gurugram-Sohna Road and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway will be toll-free. These roads are critical for both daily commuters and cargo trucks, and their toll removal is expected to cut travel times and reduce vehicular emissions.
Over in Maharashtra, routes linking Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane will also see toll exemptions, improving the daily commute and reducing logistics costs for businesses.
Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala are also part of the plan. Highways connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in these regions will benefit the most, especially for local traders and small enterprises that depend on road transport.
The policy has a strong focus on the north as well. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh will see toll-free intercity roads that are expected to make commuting faster and goods transport cheaper.
Notably, sections of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)—a key artery for moving goods—are also included in the exemption list. This means lower logistics costs for industries and smoother transport for everyone.
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What’s driving this move? Public outcry over rising toll fees, for one. But the government also sees this as a step toward economic recovery, promoting more regional integration and sustainable transport. Plus, fewer idling vehicles at toll booths could mean lower emissions—good news for cities battling air pollution.
However, not all roads will be free. Premium expressways with heavy infrastructure investment—those offering high-speed travel, better safety, and smart systems—will still carry tolls.
These funds help maintain and upgrade the roads, and the government plans to keep a close eye on how the new policy affects traffic patterns and infrastructure quality.
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon publish a detailed list of the toll-free roads on its website. So if you’re planning a road trip or manage a logistics company, stay tuned.
While this is a big step toward affordable and green travel, experts warn that it’s not the complete solution. India still needs major investment in road maintenance and smart infrastructure. But for now, travellers can look forward to a smoother, cheaper ride.
