### Nitin Gadkari Debunks Rumors of Toll Tax on Two-Wheelers, Condemns Misleading Media Reports
**New Delhi, June 26, 2025, 06:34 PM IST** – Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has decisively quashed rumors suggesting the introduction of a toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles in India. In a stern statement posted on X at 08:54 UTC (02:24 PM IST) today, Gadkari clarified that no such proposal is under consideration, reaffirming that the existing exemption for two-wheelers from toll fees will remain in place. This announcement comes amid growing concerns among millions of two-wheeler users, a vital segment of India’s commuting population, who depend on this exemption to travel across the nation’s expanding highway network.
Gadkari’s statement directly addressed what he labeled as "misleading news" propagated by certain media houses, with a specific call-out to @TV9Bharatvarsh. He condemned the practice of disseminating unverified information to stir public panic, stating, "Spreading misleading news without verifying the truth to create a sensation is not a sign of healthy journalism. I condemn this." The minister’s post included a vintage black-and-white image of a single-wheeled motorcycle, possibly symbolizing the historical significance of two-wheelers, though its connection to the toll issue remains symbolic.
The rumor’s origin appears linked to reports suggesting that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might extend toll charges to two-wheelers, a move that would have impacted millions of daily commuters. However, as per official guidelines and corroborated by sources like Cleartax.in, two-wheelers have long been exempt from toll taxes, alongside public transport and defense vehicles. Gadkari’s clarification has brought relief to riders, but it has also sparked a broader debate on social media. Users like @RebornManish posted a humorous take, "@nitin_gadkari मैंने इंतजाम कर लिया था। अब इसका क्या करूँ सर? 😒," alongside an image of an unusual two-wheeler, while @RishiRahar called for stronger government action against misinformation, hinting at political motivations behind the rumors.
Criticism has also emerged, with users like @Pratap_btp questioning whether the government initially considered the toll before retracting it due to public backlash, using the media as a scapegoat. Others, such as @arvindchotia, highlighted the lack of accountability for journalists spreading fake news, noting that the public often bears the legal consequences instead. This incident underscores the challenges of managing information in the digital age, especially on issues affecting everyday life.
Gadkari, often dubbed the "Expressway Man of India" for his role in expanding the highway network from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024, has a track record of addressing transportation concerns. His recent announcement of a FASTag-based Annual Pass, set for launch on August 15, 2025, at ₹3,000 for private vehicles, aims to streamline toll payments and reduce congestion. This latest clarification aligns with his commitment to transparent policymaking, though it has intensified calls for regulatory measures against errant media outlets.
As the controversy unfolds, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has yet to outline specific actions against the implicated media houses. For now, two-wheeler riders can continue their journeys toll-free, but the episode highlights the need for better communication and accountability in India’s evolving transportation landscape.
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