The implementation of seamless, barrier-free tolling across national highways and the passage of a new Road Safety Bill will be the top priorities of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2026, as the government intensifies efforts to curb road accidents and fatalities.

According to officials, road crashes currently claim nearly 1.8 lakh lives every year in India, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement, safer road design and technology-driven interventions. The proposed Road Safety Bill is expected to bring a comprehensive legal framework focused on safer mobility, stricter compliance and accountability across stakeholders.

Alongside legislative reforms, the ministry is pushing for nationwide rollout of barrier-free tolling systems to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on highways. The move is aimed at reducing congestion at toll plazas, cutting travel time, improving fuel efficiency and enhancing commuter convenience. Officials said advanced tolling technologies will replace physical barriers, enabling vehicles to pass toll points without stopping.

Infrastructure expansion will also remain a major focus area in 2026, with the ministry planning the inauguration of several marquee national highways and expressways. Among the key projects slated for completion is the 1,362-km Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which is expected to be fully operational by November 2026. The Amritsar–Jamnagar highway is scheduled for completion by December 2026, strengthening connectivity across northern and western India.

Other major corridors expected to be inaugurated next year include the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway by June 2026, the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway by March 2026, the Indore–Hyderabad highway by May 2026, and the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway by January 2026.

Officials said the commissioning of these high-capacity corridors will significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency and enhance road safety by diverting traffic from congested urban routes. Together with barrier-free tolling and a stronger legal framework, the initiatives are expected to mark a decisive shift towards safer, faster and more efficient road transport in India.

News source: The Hindu Businessline