On 13 April 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising the framework governing overloading fees on National Highways.
These Rules came into effect on 15 April 2026.
Key Highlights of National Highways Fee Fourth Amendment Rules 2026:
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The amendment Rules modify Rule 10 of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
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Rule 10 has been substituted, introducing a revised mechanism for the levy and collection of fees on overloaded vehicles using National Highways.
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The amendment introduces a graded fee system based on the percentage of excess load over the maximum permissible GVW:
Excess Load
Fee Multiplying Factor
Up to 10%
No overloading fee
More than 10% and up to 40%
2 × base fee
More than 40%
4 × base fee
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The base fee refers to the toll fee applicable to that category of vehicle under Rule 4(2).
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Overloading is to be determined through notified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas.
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In the absence of such devices, no overloading fee shall be levied.
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Details of overloaded vehicles, along with excess load particulars, will be uploaded to the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN) to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.
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Overloading fees will be paid through electronic modes, including FASTag, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), or other notified digital payment systems.
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Where a vehicle enters a National Highway without a FASTag or with an invalid or non-functional FASTag, the calculation of fee rates will be done under the provisions of Rule 6 (3), in addition to the overloading fee mechanism.
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The amended provisions do not automatically apply to private investment highway projects executed prior to commencement, unless the concessionaire voluntarily agrees without seeking compensation.
[National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, published on 13-4-2026]
