The Government of India has notified the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, to strengthen toll compliance and support the transition to barrier-free tolling. Effective from 17 March 2026, the amendment introduces a structured recovery mechanism for "unpaid user fee" — defined as a toll for a vehicle recorded by electronic infrastructure but for which payment was not received.
The new framework reflects growth in digital enforcement by integrating the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) system with the VAHAN database for seamless vehicle identification. This technology-driven approach is supported by an e-notice system that issues electronic payment alerts via SMS, email, or mobile apps, ensuring transparent and efficient revenue realisation for national highway operators.
Key Provisions of the 2026 Toll Fee Amendment
e-Notice System: Registered owners will receive electronic notices specifying vehicle details, date, location of passage, and the amount payable.
Tiered Payment Structure: The fee for an e-notice is twice the applicable toll; however, if paid within 72 hours, only the original toll amount is due.
VAHAN Integration: Unpaid dues are linked to the national VAHAN system, enabling restrictions on vehicle-related services if fees remain unpaid beyond 15 days.
Grievance Redressal: Owners can submit representations through a designated portal within 72 hours of receiving an e-notice.
Time-Bound Resolution: Authorities must dispose of grievances within five days, failing which the claim for the unpaid user fee automatically lapses.
Barrier-Free Support: The rules provide the legal and financial safeguards necessary to implement modern Free-Flow Tolling ecosystems.
What is the "e-notice System" for Tolls? The e-notice system is a technology-driven enforcement tool used to notify vehicle owners of outstanding toll payments recorded by Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) infrastructure. It plays a role in automating the recovery of unpaid fees without requiring physical barriers or manual intervention at toll plazas. The system is supported by the goal of increasing transparency and investor confidence in highway projects by ensuring high-fidelity revenue collection. By delivering notices through SMS, email, and mobile apps, it reflects growth in India's digital public infrastructure, providing a modern mechanism for "barrier-free" travel while maintaining strict fiscal compliance.
Policy Relevance: Strengthening the Digital Toll Ecosystem
Scaling Barrier-Free Mobility: The amendment reflects growth in India's readiness for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling, where physical gates are replaced by digital tracking.
Internalising Behavioral Incentives: The 72-hour waiver of the double-fee penalty plays a role in encouraging immediate compliance and reducing the administrative burden of long-term recovery.
Bypassing Revenue Leakage: Integrating toll data with the VAHAN database is supported by the need to ensure that vehicle owners cannot evade tolls while continuing to access state-level vehicle services.
Supporting Investor Confidence: Establishing a structured, legally-backed recovery mechanism contributes tothe bankability of road projects, directly supporting the National Monetisation Pipeline.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific "restrictions on vehicle-related services" will be imposed in the VAHAN system for chronic toll defaulters after the 15-day grace period?
Follow the Full Notification Here: NHAI: National Highways Fee Rules, 2026 Amended for Toll Compliance
