AAP MP Raghav Chadha raises concerns over long waits at toll plazas; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assures India will achieve “zero wait time” using satellite-based tolling by 2026.

In a significant discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha highlighted the growing issue of long waits at highway toll plazas, urging the government to grant toll exemptions for commuters who are forced to wait more than five minutes. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari responded by assuring that India is moving toward a “zero wait time” tolling system using satellite-based technology by 2026.

During the Question Hour, Chadha stressed that toll plaza delays not only burden citizens financially but also affect the economy. He noted that commuters already pay road and infrastructure cess on vehicles and fuel, yet they face additional delays and charges at toll booths. “After paying so much, commuters deserve smooth, pothole-free roads and uninterrupted connectivity without delays,” Chadha said. He also recognized the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models that collect tolls for infrastructure recovery but emphasized the need for efficiency.

Chadha pointed out the opportunity cost and fuel wastage caused by prolonged waiting times, which often extend beyond several minutes. He proposed that if vehicles are delayed for more than five minutes, commuters should be exempted from paying tolls, arguing that such measures would reduce frustration and encourage better management of toll operations.

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Responding to the concerns, Minister Gadkari confirmed that the government is developing a satellite-based tolling system designed to eliminate queues. “By 2026, vehicles will move at 80 km per hour, cameras will capture number plates and satellite images, and toll charges will be automatically deducted from users’ bank accounts. There will be zero wait time, even before 2026 in phases,” Gadkari said.

Addressing road quality, Gadkari clarified that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible only for national highways, not state or city roads. He revealed that nearly 70% of complaints received about road conditions fall outside his ministry’s jurisdiction.

To improve accountability, the Minister announced stricter measures for contractors, including debarring non-performing firms for two years and taking punitive action under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) when required.

This initiative reflects the government’s focus on modernizing toll operations, enhancing commuter experience, and ensuring faster, more efficient highway travel across India.

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