Driving on Bihar's state highways is set to get costlier. At a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 1 July, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the Bihar government cleared 29 proposals, and the biggest one among them was the decision to levy toll tax on state highways just like it is already collected on national highways. This means every category of vehicle, from cars, jeeps and tempos to buses and trucks, will now have to pay toll to use these roads.
How much toll will different vehicles pay
The cabinet has also fixed the toll rates based on vehicle category.
- Light motor vehicles such as cars and jeeps will be charged at Rs 1.25 per kilometre.
- Heavy vehicles like trucks will have to pay Rs 6.65 per kilometre.
- Vehicles with an even higher carrying capacity will be charged Rs 8.10 per kilometre.
Digital payments to be pushed, rates to be reviewed yearly
The state government wants the toll collection system to be modern and transparent, so digital payments through FASTag and other approved electronic systems will be given priority. The proposal also includes a provision for an annual review of the charges, which means the toll rates can be revised whenever required.
Extra charges for vehicles without FASTag, penalty for overloading
Under the new system, vehicles that do not have FASTag will be charged more than the standard rate. Overloaded vehicles carrying more than the permitted load will also attract an additional penalty charge. At the same time, local residents and regular commuters will get some relief, with discounts, concessional passes and multiple-trip facilities to be made available based on prescribed categories.
Date of implementation still undecided
It has not yet been decided from which date the new toll rates will actually come into effect. The final call on this will be taken only after a report on vehicle load on these roads is ready.
Other major decisions taken by the cabinet
Besides the toll tax proposal, the Wednesday meeting cleared several other important decisions.
- The Patna Municipal Corporation will now be allowed to issue municipal bonds worth up to Rs 200 crore.
- The cabinet approved the Sugarcane Mechanisation Scheme and the Seed Development Scheme.
- The Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package, 2025 has been extended, and the existing policy will continue until a new industrial investment promotion policy is put in place.
- Land transfer has been approved for a four-lane road under the Industrial Corridor Project in Dobhi in Gaya district, running from Dobhi Mod through Chandagram up to a paved road near the Vabhandev forest.
- The path has been cleared for setting up five new Kendriya Vidyalayas in Purnia, Rajgir, Madhepura, Madhubani and Shekhpura, with the state government leasing the required land to the central government for 30 years.
- Based on the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission, panchayats will receive a grant of Rs 51,923 crore from the central government over the next 4 years, to be distributed among the three tiers of Panchayati Raj institutions.
- The right to settle stone plots in Bihar through e-auction has now been handed to the Collector.
- The Vaman Temple standing on the land of Buxar Central Jail will be separated from the jail premises.
- The Bihar government will take 1100 pilgrims from the state to the Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat at its own expense, with the cabinet approving a budget of Rs 2.5 crore for the trip. The Art and Culture Department has decided to organise this two-day pilgrimage on 20 July 2026 to mark the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
- Approval has been given to create 23 new posts at the Patna Zoo, including one regular post and 22 contract-based posts, while a decision has also been taken to surrender 29 previously created posts.
- The cabinet has given in-principle approval to develop 31 bus stands in Bihar on a PPP mode, and these bus stands under the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation will now be developed with modern facilities.
