India’s Highway Toll Revenue Soars

India’s expanding road network has seen a significant surge in toll collections over the last five years. According to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) data presented in Lok Sabha on March 20, 2025, the top 10 toll plazas across the country collected Rs 14,000 crore between 2019-20 and 2023-24.

The Bharthana toll plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat topped the list, amassing Rs 2,043.81 crore, with its highest-ever annual collection of Rs 472.65 crore in 2023-24. This massive toll revenue highlights the growing importance of highways in financing India’s infrastructure development.

Top 10 Toll Plazas by Revenue

The following are the top 10 highest revenue-generating toll plazas in India over the past five years:

1. Bharthana Toll Plaza, Gujarat

Location: Vadodara-Bharuch stretch, NH-48

Total Collection: Rs 2,043.81 crore

Highest Annual Collection: Rs 472.65 crore (2023-24)

As the highest-earning toll plaza, Bharthana benefits from heavy commercial and passenger vehicle movement along the busy Vadodara-Bharuch corridor.

2. Chittorgarh Toll Plaza, Rajasthan

Location: NH-48, Chittorgarh bypass

Total Collection: Rs 1,745.32 crore

Located along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, this toll plaza handles continuous freight and long-distance traffic, making it one of the top revenue generators.

3. Shamlaji Toll Plaza, Gujarat

Location: NH-48, Gujarat-Rajasthan border

Total Collection: Rs 1,680.24 crore

Situated on a major commercial route, this plaza collects substantial revenue from the frequent movement of cargo vehicles.

4. Manesar Toll Plaza, Haryana

Location: NH-48, Gurugram-Manesar stretch

Total Collection: Rs 1,590.47 crore

Part of the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this plaza witnesses heavy vehicular traffic, contributing significantly to its revenue.

5. Kishangarh Toll Plaza, Rajasthan

Location: NH-48, Kishangarh-Ajmer stretch

Total Collection: Rs 1,520.39 crore

Situated along the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, this toll plaza earns high revenue from commercial vehicle transit.

6. Dankuni Toll Plaza, West Bengal

Location: NH-2, Dankuni-Palsit stretch

Total Collection: Rs 1,460.85 crore

On the Kolkata-Delhi route, this plaza records consistent toll collections from freight trucks and passenger vehicles.

7. Nallur Toll Plaza, Tamil Nadu

Location: NH-544, near Coimbatore

Total Collection: Rs 1,370.15 crore

Situated on the busy Tamil Nadu-Kerala corridor, this toll plaza generates high revenue from cross-border traffic.

8. Durgapur Toll Plaza, West Bengal

Location: NH-19, Durgapur

Total Collection: Rs 1,295.63 crore

This toll plaza benefits from significant freight movement along the Kolkata-Delhi highway, boosting its collections.

9. Dumri Toll Plaza, Bihar

Location: NH-19, Dumri stretch

Total Collection: Rs 1,180.92 crore

A key transit point on a major trade route, this plaza sees substantial commercial vehicle traffic, driving its revenue.

10. Mahuvan Toll Plaza, Uttar Pradesh

Location: NH-19, Agra-Kanpur stretch

Total Collection: Rs 1,145.72 crore

Situated on a heavily trafficked highway, this plaza generates consistent revenue from both passenger and freight vehicles.

Why Are Toll Revenues Surging?

Several factors have driven the sharp increase in toll collections across India:

Rising vehicular traffic: With the growth of passenger and commercial vehicles, the volume of highway users has increased significantly.

Expansion of highway networks: The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Bharatmala project, and other initiatives have introduced new toll plazas, boosting collections.

Implementation of FASTag: The introduction of electronic toll collection (ETC) has improved efficiency and reduced revenue leakages.

Freight movement: Increased industrial and commercial activities have led to higher freight transportation on highways, contributing to greater toll revenue.

Impact of Toll Revenue on Infrastructure Development

The Rs 14,000 crore collected by India’s top 10 toll plazas plays a crucial role in financing infrastructure projects. This revenue is used for:

Highway maintenance: Ensuring regular repairs, resurfacing, and upgrades.

New road construction: Funding the development of expressways and bypasses.

Public-private partnerships (PPP): Servicing debts under PPP models used for major infrastructure projects.

Technology upgrades: Enhancing toll collection systems with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and satellite-based tolling.

Challenges Faced by Toll Plazas

Despite the growing revenue, toll collection in India faces some challenges:

Congestion at toll booths: Despite FASTag, some plazas experience delays during peak hours.

Toll evasion: Some motorists avoid toll payments, leading to revenue losses.

Technological issues: Occasional glitches in FASTag systems disrupt smooth toll operations.

Public protests: Local resistance against toll hikes or toll collection on existing roads can impact revenue.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Toll Collection in India?

The government is planning several initiatives to streamline toll collection and enhance efficiency:

GPS-based tolling: The government is working on introducing distance-based tolling through satellite technology, which will reduce the need for physical toll plazas.

Seamless travel corridors: New expressways and highways will feature automated tolling for faster movement.

Enhanced FASTag integration: Expanding FASTag coverage will further streamline toll payments and reduce manual transactions.

Toll Revenue Boosting Infrastructure Development

The Rs 14,000 crore revenue generated by India’s top 10 toll plazas over the past five years underscores the significant role of toll collections in supporting infrastructure development. With increasing highway traffic, technological advancements, and government initiatives, toll revenues are expected to grow further.

These funds will be instrumental in maintaining and expanding India’s road network, ensuring improved travel experiences and supporting the country’s economic growth.