Patna: Travelling across Bihar’s major bridges and key road corridors could soon become more expensive, as the state government moves to introduce its first independent toll tax policy aimed at funding the maintenance of roads and bridges.
The Bihar Road Construction Department is currently finalising the framework for the proposed policy, which would impose tolls on major bridges and selected arterial roads across the state. Officials say the new structure is being designed in line with guidelines followed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Under the proposed formula, toll rates on bridges will be calculated differently from approach roads. According to department officials, the main span of a bridge will effectively be treated as 10 times its actual length for toll calculation purposes. This means that a bridge with a five-kilometre main span could attract toll charges equivalent to a 50-kilometre stretch of road.
In comparison, toll rates for approach roads are expected to remain significantly lower, with private four-wheelers likely to be charged around 60 to 65 paise per kilometre. The final toll payable by commuters would be calculated by combining the bridge charge and the approach road charge.
Separate toll slabs are also being planned for commercial and heavy vehicles. However, officials clarified that the formula and final rates are still under discussion and have not yet been formally approved.
The proposed policy marks a significant shift for Bihar, which has so far relied on central guidelines and did not have a dedicated state-level toll taxation framework. The government says the move is intended to ensure long-term upkeep of transport infrastructure as new bridges and highways continue to expand across the state.
To reduce the burden on regular commuters, the draft policy also includes exemptions for residents living near toll plazas. Monthly passes are expected to be introduced for people who use the same routes daily for work or business purposes.
Officials indicated that the policy could be implemented after the rate structure and operational guidelines receive final approval from the state government.
