Pay More To Drive: NHAI Implements Toll Hike

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented an increase in toll charges, affecting commuters on national highways and expressways across India. This hike, which came into effect on April 1, 2025, amounts to an average of 4-5%.

Pay More To Drive: NHAI Implements Toll Hike

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Here's a comprehensive breakdown of this development:

Key Details Of The Toll Charge Increase

1) Percentage Hike: The toll charges have been increased by an average of 4-5%. However, the exact increase will vary depending on the specific highway or expressway, the location of the toll plaza, and the type of vehicle.

2) Implementing Authority: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for this revision.

3) Effective Date: The revised toll rates are effective from April 1, 2025.

4) Scope: This hike applies to all national highways and expressways where toll collection is in place. This includes both public-funded and concessionaire-operated toll plazas, totaling approximately 855 across the country.

5) Reason for the Hike: This annual revision is a standard practice by the NHAI. The primary reason cited for the increase is to align the toll rates with the wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation. This adjustment helps NHAI manage the increasing costs associated with the maintenance and operation of the national highway network. Additionally, the revenue generated from these hikes is crucial for funding ongoing highway maintenance and expansion projects.

6) Second Hike in a Year: This increase marks the second time toll charges have been raised in a span of one year, with a previous hike occurring in June 2024.

Impact On Commuters And Transportation

1) Increased Travel Costs: The most direct impact will be on the pockets of commuters who regularly use national highways and expressways. This will affect private vehicle owners, as well as commercial transport operators.

2) Potential Rise in Transportation Costs: For businesses relying on road transportation, the increased toll charges could lead to higher operational costs. This may indirectly impact the prices of goods and services for consumers.

3) Varying Increases Across Routes: The hike is not uniform across all routes. Some key expressways and highways that are reported to be affected include: 

a) Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Toll for cars traveling from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut has increased from ₹165 to ₹170. Ghaziabad to Meerut toll has risen from ₹70 to ₹75. Trucks on this route will now pay ₹580.

b) Delhi-Jaipur Highway: At the Kherki Daula toll plaza, tolls for private cars and jeeps remain the same, but larger vehicles will see an increase of ₹5 per trip.

c) Highways around Lucknow: Routes connecting Lucknow to Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli, and Barabanki will see a rise of ₹5 to ₹10 per trip for light vehicles and up to ₹25 for heavy vehicles.

d) NH-9 (Chhijarsi Toll Plaza): Tolls for cars have increased from ₹170 to ₹175.

e) Eastern Peripheral Expressway: Reports suggest increased rates, particularly for heavy vehicles.

4) Increase in Monthly Passes: There is also an increase in the cost of monthly passes for regular commuters. For instance, on some routes, the monthly pass for cars has increased from ₹930 to ₹950, and for cabs, from ₹1225 to ₹1255.

NHAI's Perspective

a) The NHAI maintains that these periodic revisions are essential for the upkeep and improvement of the national highway infrastructure.

b) The additional revenue generated will be channeled back into the maintenance of existing roads and the development of new projects to enhance connectivity and road safety.

Advice For Commuters

a) Check Latest Toll Rates: Before planning journeys, commuters are advised to check the updated toll rates for their specific routes on the NHAI website or through other official channels.

b) Consider FASTag: Using FASTag can often provide a slight discount on toll charges and ensures a smoother passage through toll plazas.

In conclusion, the 4-5% hike in toll charges by NHAI will lead to increased costs for commuters and transporters across India's national highways and expressways. While this may add to the financial burden, the NHAI emphasizes that the additional revenue is necessary for maintaining and expanding the country's vital road network.