Toll collections across India’s national highways rose sharply by 19.6 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year, touching an all-time high of Rs 20,681.87 crore. This marks a jump from Rs 17,279.86 crore collected during the same period last year, driven by a combination of revised toll rates, new toll roads, and a low base effect.According to official data, this is more than double the 9.49 per cent growth recorded in the April-June quarter of FY25. The number of highway users also saw a significant uptick, with electronic toll transactions rising 16.2 per cent to 1,173.30 million compared to 1,009.87 million a year ago.If the current pace continues, the toll revenue could surpass Rs 80,000 crore for the first time in a full financial year. Back in FY 24, the total toll collection in FY24 stood at Rs 72,931 crore.A senior government official attributed the growth to robust infrastructure development and rising economic activity. “The government’s focus on building and maintaining toll roads at world-class level to substantially reduce travel time and enhance user experience has significantly added to toll user base, resulting in surge in toll collection,” the official told ET, requesting anonymity.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had revised toll rates by 4–5 per cent starting April 1, in line with inflation adjustments based on changes in the wholesale price index.Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, senior director and global head of consulting at CRISIL Market Intelligence, said the sharp rise in collections was also due to a weaker base last year.“The 19.6 per cent growth is attributable to a smaller base of last year due to the general election and various state elections which led to subdued growth in the first three quarters of the calendar year.”