The Delhi-Mumbai ExpresswayIndia’s longest access-controlled road corridor connecting New Delhi and Mumbai, has introduced major toll cuts in 2026. The central government approved a toll reduction of up to 50% on select stretches, especially where construction and widening works are ongoing. This move aims to ease travel costs for motorists while ensuring smoother traffic flow and better logistics connectivity along the route.
What Changed in Toll Rates
The toll revision applies to parts of the expressway that are still under construction or being expanded from two lanes to four or more. Previously, these sections charged proportionally higher fees compared with standard national highways due to unfinished infrastructure and traffic diversions. Under the new policy:
- Toll charges previously collected around 60% of the standard rate in some stretches are now reduced to 30%.
- The reduction provides immediate savings for private cars, commercial vehicles, and freight transport.
- The revised tolls may remain in effect for up to one year or until the expressway segments are fully operational.
This approach not only reduces the financial burden on travellers but also encourages greater use of the corridor despite partial closures and diversions.
Why the Reduction Matters
The toll cuts hold significance for various road users:
- Private motorists benefit from lower travel costs on long journeys between Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Commercial operators and logistic fleets see cost savings that could reflect in freight charges and supply-chain economics.
- Long-distance travel becomes more attractive even amid construction disruptions, helping maintain traffic volumes and utilisation of the expressway network.
The government’s decision also aligns with broader toll-policy reforms aimed at revising how tolls are calculated on elevated and structurally intensive highway stretches.
Looking Ahead
While not all sections of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway are fully complete, the phased reduction in toll rates helps maintain continuity of travel and user goodwill. As more sections open and infrastructure works conclude, toll rates may adjust further to reflect the final operational status of the expressway.
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