More Tolls, Worse Roads: Despite Public Outcry, Toll Revenue Soars 37% Amid Poor Road Conditions

As road conditions worsen across the state, protests are spreading, with opposition leaders demanding an end to toll collection. The central argument driving these demonstrations is straightforward: why should citizens be burdened with tolls when the infrastructure they pay for is crumbling?

However, a recent report from IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited and IRB Infrastructure Trust reveals a surprising twist. Despite the protests, toll collections have actually increased by 37% in July 2024 compared to July 2023. This follows a 32% rise in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025.

The most toll revenue came from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4). In 2024, these roads brought in ₹1,352 million, slightly more than ₹1,349 million in 2023.

IRB Infrastructure, which is the largest private toll road developer in India, shared that they collected ₹4.99 billion in tolls in July 2024, up from ₹3.65 billion in July 2023. Deputy CEO Amitabh Murarka commented, “The second quarter is off to a good start with a 37% increase in toll collection. New projects are also helping boost our earnings. With normal weather expected, we think this trend will continue.”

Despite the growing opposition, the company’s financial performance suggests that toll collections will continue to be a crucial revenue stream, even as debates over road quality and public accountability persist.