The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on April 13, 2026, issued the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, further to amend the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
This shall take effect from April 15, 2026.
Rule 10 – “Rate of Fee for overloading” shall be substituted. The rule provides for the levy of fees on overloaded vehicles using National Highways, without affecting liability under other laws. If a vehicle exceeds the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), its details and excess load are recorded in the VAHAN (National Vehicle Register). The excess load is determined using authorized weighing devices installed at toll plazas; if no such device exists, no overloading fee is charged, and only the normal toll applies.
Overloading fees must be paid digitally (e.g., FASTag, UPI). No additional fee is charged for up to 10% excess load. For overload between 10%–40%, the toll fee is doubled (×2), and for overload above 40%, it is quadrupled (×4) based on the base toll rate. Vehicles without a valid FASTag attract additional penalties as per the rules.
The rule does not apply to older private highway projects unless the concessionaire agrees. Overall, it aims to discourage overloading, ensure road safety, and enforce digital toll collection.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 279(E)]
