Do you know that some special people and vehicles do not have to pay toll tax in India? Yes, even though there is a network of roads in the country and there are toll plazas everywhere, the government has given some special exemptions. If you also travel on the highway, then it is very important for you to know which vehicles and people are exempt from toll tax and the reason behind it.
What is toll tax, and why is it levied
Toll tax is a kind of fee that is charged from vehicles using a road, bridge, or tunnel. The purpose of this tax is to collect money for the construction and maintenance of the road. In India, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) works to collect toll tax and enforce its rules. Although every vehicle has to pay a toll, an exemption has been given in some special cases.
These special people and vehicles get an exemption
The Government of India has kept some special people and vehicles associated with important services completely free from toll tax. This list includes the following people and vehicles:
1. High-ranking government officials
President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister
Governors and Lieutenant Governors of states
Union ministers
Chief ministers of states
Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Speaker of Lok Sabha
Chairman of the State Legislative Council and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
State ministers, MPs, and MLAs
Secretaries of the Government of India
Secretaries of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha
2. Judicial and defence services
Chief Justices and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
Paramilitary forces and police personnel (in uniform)
3. Emergency and essential services
Ambulance, fire brigade, and police vehicles
Vehicles of executive magistrates
4. Specially honoured persons
Gallantry award winners like Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are also exempted from toll tax. They have to show their photo ID.
What to show at the toll plaza
Even though these people are exempt from the toll tax, they must show their official photo identity card. Apart from this, people like Defense Ministry officials, NHAI officials, and Executive Magistrates are also given exemptions on their vehicles. This system ensures that important services and persons of the country can get smooth travel.
