Nationwide Physical Toll Booths to Be Phased Out
Mumbai |
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced that the long-delayed Mumbai-Goa National Highway will be completed by June 2025, promising smoother travel for commuters and a boost to development across the Konkan region.
Speaking at the Vasant Vyakhyanmala event in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Monday, Gadkari also confirmed that the Centre is working on a new toll policy that will phase out physical toll booths across India.
“The Mumbai-Goa highway faced many hurdles — legal disputes, land acquisition issues, and public resistance. But I assure you, the road will be 100% ready by June,” said Gadkari.
🚧 Key Takeaways:
- Mumbai-Goa Highway Completion: Expected by June 2025, after years of delay due to land acquisition disputes and legal cases.
- Toll Booth Elimination Plan: A new policy using satellite tracking and number plate recognition will enable automatic toll deductions directly from bank accounts.
- Wider Vision: Gadkari expressed confidence that India’s road infrastructure will surpass that of the United States within the next two years.
The Mumbai-Goa highway project had long been stalled by compensation disputes and on-ground complications. Gadkari acknowledged the delays, calling highways like Delhi–Jaipur and Mumbai–Goa “black spots” in the ministry’s records due to persistent challenges.
On the upcoming toll policy, he hinted that an official announcement would come within 15 days, aimed at making toll collection more efficient and less controversial.
The completion of the Mumbai-Goa highway marks a significant milestone for infrastructure and regional connectivity, especially for the tourism-dependent Konkan belt. Simultaneously, the toll reform initiative could transform how Indian commuters experience highway travel, with digital automation set to replace long queues and manual toll collection.
