Two-wheeler toll rumours debunked by Indian Ministry of Road Transport

New Delhi: The Union Government on Thursday reaffirmed that no toll is levied on two-wheelers at National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plazas across the country, dismissing viral social media videos that claimed otherwise.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the videos in circulation were filmed at a toll plaza on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, which falls under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and not the NHAI. “This expressway is a state road managed by YEIDA, where toll rates are determined by the authority,” the Ministry clarified.

PIB Fact Check also flagged the claim as misleading, stressing that no user fee is charged from two-wheelers on national highways or expressways under NHAI. The viral footage purported to show motorbikes queued at a toll plaza while tolls were being collected.

This is not the first time the Centre has addressed such rumours. In June, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari categorically denied reports suggesting a toll on two-wheelers.

“Some media outlets are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheelers. No such proposal is under consideration. Exemption for two-wheelers will continue fully,” he said at the time. The NHAI had also branded the reports “fake news”.

What the rules say

Under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, tolls apply only to four-wheeled and heavier vehicles, including cars, light motor vehicles, goods carriers, trucks, multi-axle vehicles, and oversized vehicles.

Sub-rule 4 of Rule 3 explicitly exempts two-wheelers, three-wheelers, tractors, combine harvesters, and animal-drawn carts from tolls. These vehicles are not permitted to use highways where a service road or alternative route is available. However, if they do use the main carriageway in such circumstances, they may be charged 50 per cent of the fee applicable to cars.