India’s lawmakers—Members of parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs)—enjoy a special perk on the road: exemption from toll tax on national highways. But why do they get this privilege when the common citizen pays through the nose at every booth? Let’s break it down 👇
1. 📜 The Legal shield – Rule 11 of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008
MPs and MLAs are exempt under Rule 11, a provision that gives them a toll-free pass while traveling on national highways.
2. 🏛️ For “Official Duties” & Constituency Work
The justification? They travel frequently for parliamentary sessions, constituency visits, and legislative responsibilities—so the government decided to ease their movement.
3. 🆔 ID Cards Are the Golden Ticket
Exemption isn’t a blanket. Lawmakers must flash their official ID to claim this privilege. For MLAs, this applies only within their home state.
4. 🕰️ A Decade-Old Decision
The policy was formally approved in 2010 by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, cementing the VIP culture on indian roads.
5. 🚗 Netas Free, Public Pays
While MPs and MLAs enjoy smooth rides, ordinary citizens face long queues, rising toll rates, and empty wallets. The contrast couldn’t be sharper.
6. 🔥 The Big Question
Are toll exemptions a genuine necessity for lawmakers—or just another VIP privilege in a country where the public pays for everything?
👉 Punchline: “One India, Two Highways—One for Netas Free, One for Common people Fee.”
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