Barrier-Free Tolling and New Road Safety Measures Set to Transform Indian Highways in 2026

Barrier-Free Tolling to Revolutionize Highway Travel

The upcoming year will mark a significant shift in how tolls are collected on national highways, focusing on barrier-free tolling designed to improve traffic flow and reduce costs. The road transport authorities aim to implement integrated technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) och RFID-based FASTag Electronic Toll Collection, providing a seamless experience where vehicles no longer need to stop at toll plazas.

By introducing this system, tolling costs are expected to drop dramatically—from the current 15% of the toll collection to about 3%. With an annual toll collection of around INR 50,000-60,000 crore, this translates into potential savings of up to INR 8,000 crore. Beyond the financial benefits, travellers will enjoy significantly reduced waiting times at toll points, making journeys smoother and more predictable.

How Barrier-Free Tolling Works

• Vehicles are identified using high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers as they pass through toll points.
• Toll charges are automatically deducted without the need for vehicles to halt.
• Violators who fail to pay tolls receive electronic notices, with penalties including suspension of FASTag services and other legal measures.

Road Safety: A Renewed Focus with New Legislation

Alongside tolling improvements, there is a strong governmental push to enhance road safety through the introduction of a new Road Safety Bill expected to be tabled in the upcoming parliamentary session. This initiative addresses the alarming rate of road accidents, which currently claim around 1.8 lakh lives each year—including a troubling majority of young adults aged 18 to 34.

Efforts to curb fatalities have targeted three key areas:

1. Improving road engineering to reduce accident-prone zones.
2. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws with increased penalties.
3. Enhanced public awareness and education on road safety protocols.

Despite progress in some areas, the consistent rise in accident statistics indicates that more comprehensive measures are needed to make roads safer for everyone.

Major Infrastructure Projects Scheduled for 2026

Several high-profile highway and expressway projects are slated for completion or inauguration next year, aiming to boost connectivity across key regions. Some of the landmark developments include:

Additionally, the inauguration of the much-anticipated Zojila tunnel, set for April 2026, will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, drastically reducing travel time across the Zojila Pass from around three hours to just 20 minutes.

Public InvIT: Monetising Highway Assets

Another innovative development is the launch of a Public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by the National Highways Authority, aiming to unlock value from highway assets. This investment vehicle is designed primarily for retail and domestic investors, opening up new avenues for infrastructure financing and encouraging private participation in highway maintenance and development.

Challenges in Road Construction and Project Delivery

Despite ongoing reforms, major hurdles remain in highway project completion. These include:

• Delays in land acquisition.
• Environmental and forest clearances.
• Contractor issues causing stalled work.
• Dependence on imported raw materials like bitumen.

Data reveals that over 600 highway projects worth INR 4.2 lakh crore face delays due to these various factors. Addressing these roadblocks is essential to meet ambitious targets for new highway projects planned to cover between 12,000 and 13,500 km in 2026.

Konsekvenser för taxi- och transfertjänster

For travelers relying on airport transfers and city taxis, such infrastructure upgrades promise quicker and more reliable rides. Reduced congestion at toll points and smoother highway connectivity translate to exact fare calculations with fewer unexpected delays, ensuring your driver can stick to the planned schedule. Platforms like LocalsRide.com facilitate this modern experience by allowing users to book rides with transparent views of vehicle options including make, model, and driver ratings ahead of time—beyond what typical taxi aggregators offer.

Choosing the Right Service

With highway travel improving, having the ability to select a specific car class or seater size becomes more valuable, especially for those transferring to or from airports and navigating busy urban routes. LocalsRide’s transparent booking system can help travelers match their needs with an exact vehicle and fare, offering significant convenience when time and cost matter.

Summary Highlights and Final Thoughts

The transport ministry’s 2026 agenda underscores a bold commitment to transforming road travel through barrier-free tolling and enhanced road safety legislation. These developments promise substantial benefits: reduced toll expenses, minimized traffic jams at toll plazas, and stronger safety frameworks to curb accident fatalities. Large infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Zojila tunnel will further bolster connectivity and travel comfort across many destination points.

While official data and reviews give us a roadmap for what lies ahead, nothing beats firsthand experience. Thanks to LocalsRide.com, travelers have access to verified taxi providers offering reasonable fares and a broad choice of vehicles—from private cars to limousines—that suit any travel plan. This transparency and convenience empower users to book their preferred rides with confidence, avoiding unnecessary expenses or unpleasant surprises. Book your ride today on LocalsRide.com and enjoy a seamless journey across cities, airports, and beyond.

Blickar framåt

Though these infrastructure upgrades may not dramatically alter the global tourism map overnight, they signify meaningful progress in enhancing national road travel. Staying ahead of such changes is crucial for platforms like LocalsRide that aim to keep pace with evolving travel landscapes. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide. Whether booking a cab, limousine, or private seater, enjoy the benefits of exact fares, vetted drivers, and affordable prices—all tailored to your location and needs.