The NHAI lists and clarifies about some common misconceptions on India's National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has listed and clarified about numerous common misconceptions on National Highways of India. here's the details.
Through its series of posts made on X across several days, the NHAI aims to share verified information and raise awareness about tolling, highway infrastructure, commuter facilities, and road safety across National Highways. let's have a brief look at them together below.
❌ Myth 1: Local residents living near a toll plaza can travel toll-free by showing their identity cards
It's a common misconception that all local residents living near a toll plaza can travel toll-free simply by showing their identity cards.
In reality, there is no provision for free travel for local residents. As per the applicable rules, eligible local residents may avail toll fee concessions through a Local Monthly Pass, subject to prescribed conditions. Such concessions are generally available to residents living within a 20 km radius of the concerned toll plaza and are governed by the specific rules notified for that toll plaza.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 2: Vehicles get free passage if queues at toll plazas go beyond the 100-metre mark
It's a common misconception that vehicles are entitled to free passage if queues at toll plazas extend beyond the 100-metre mark.
In reality, there is no such provision under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Toll collection at National Highway fee plazas is carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Rules. Any exemptions from payment of user fee are specifically defined under the Rules and are prominently displayed at toll plazas for the information of NH users.
Before assuming eligibility for exemption, NH commuters are advised to refer to the notified provisions and information displayed at the toll plaza.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 3: Vehicles get a free passage if the waiting time exceeds 10 seconds or a certain limit
It's a common misconception that vehicles are entitled to free passage if the queue length or waiting time exceed a certain limit.
In reality, there is no such provision under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Toll collection at National Highway fee plazas is governed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Rules. Any exemptions from payment of user fee are specifically defined under the Rules and are prominently displayed at toll plazas for the information of road users.
National Highway commuters are advised to refer to the notified provisions and the information displayed at the toll plaza.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 4: Toll collection stops once the cost of constructing a National Highway is recovered
It's a common misconception that toll collection stops once the cost of constructing a National Highway is recovered.
In reality, toll collection on National Highways is governed by the National Highways Fee Rules and supports the ongoing operation, maintenance, safety improvements, and long-term upkeep of highway assets to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience for road users.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 5: All National Highways should have lighting across the entire stretch
It's a common misconception that all National Highways should be illuminated across their entire length.
In reality, lighting on National Highways is provided based on safety requirements and technical guidelines prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). Illumination is generally installed at critical locations such as toll plazas, interchanges, flyovers, underpasses, built-up areas, bus bays, truck lay-bys and other sections where enhanced visibility is required for safer movement of NH users.
This approach ensures optimal use of resources while maintaining safety at key locations across the National Highway network.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 6: Physical toll receipts are mandatory for availing emergency services
It's a common misconception that physical toll receipts are mandatory to access emergency assistance on National Highways.
In reality, National Highways and Expressways are rapidly transitioning towards fully digital toll collection through FASTag and UPI, eliminating the need for cash transactions and physical receipts. Highway users can conveniently access toll transaction details through SMS alerts, FASTag statements, and UPI transaction records.
More importantly, emergency services such as ambulance assistance, route patrol, and towing support are available to National Highway users through the 1033: 24/7 National Highway Helpline, irrespective of whether a NH user possesses a physical toll receipt.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 7: Toll plazas provide free petrol or diesel to stranded highway users
It's a common misconception that toll plazas provide free petrol or diesel to stranded highway users.
In reality, toll plazas do not provide free fuel. However, National Highway Patrol and emergency response teams can assist commuters facing emergencies by arranging fuel support or towing services when required. The user must bear the cost of fuel supplied.
For any emergency assistance on NHAI-tolled National Highways, commuters can contact the 24x7 National Highway Helpline by dialling 1033.
Source: NHAI on X
❌ Myth 8: NHAI develops and maintains every National Highway in India
A common misconception is that NHAI develops and maintains every National Highway in India.
In reality, NHAI is entrusted with around 50% of the National Highway network. The remaining National Highways are developed and maintained by other agencies, including the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), State Public Works Departments (PWDs), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other designated agencies, depending on the location and strategic requirements.
On NHAI-operated National Highway stretches, commuters can also access project-related information by scanning the QR codes installed along the corridor, providing easy access to details about the National Highway project.
Source: NHAI on X