Travellers to Pay More at Toll Plazas as Rates Rise Starting Today – See New Prices

From April 1, commuters and commercial vehicle operators will be required to pay higher toll charges on key highways and expressways. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a revision in toll rates, which will impact several important routes, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, NH-9, the Delhi-Jaipur highway, and major routes around Lucknow. This marks the second toll hike in less than a year, with the previous revision occurring in June 2024.

Revised Toll Charges Across Major Highways:

The NHAI’s toll revisions will affect several regions, particularly the routes connecting major cities. These hikes will apply to both light and heavy vehicles, including cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Below is a breakdown of the revised toll charges across different highways and expressways:

1. Toll Increases on Routes Around Lucknow:

• On routes passing through Lucknow, such as the Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli, and Barabanki highways, light vehicles, including cars, will face an increase of Rs 5 to Rs 10 per trip.

• Heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, will see an extra charge of Rs 20 to Rs 25 per trip.

2. Delhi-Meerut Expressway & NH-9:

• The toll for cars and jeeps traveling from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut will increase from Rs 165 to Rs 170.

• Light commercial vehicles and buses will now pay Rs 275, while trucks will pay Rs 580 per trip.

• At the Chhijarsi toll plaza on NH-9, the toll for cars will increase from Rs 170 to Rs 175, light commercial vehicles will pay Rs 280, and buses and trucks will be charged Rs 590.

• Vehicles with more than seven axles will experience the highest increase, with tolls rising by Rs 590.

• The Ghaziabad-to-Meerut toll will increase from Rs 70 to Rs 75.

3. Delhi-Jaipur Highway (Kherki Daula Toll Plaza):

• While tolls for cars and jeeps remain unchanged, larger vehicles will incur an additional Rs 5 per journey.

• The monthly pass will now cost Rs 950, up from Rs 930.

• Commercial cars and jeeps will be charged Rs 85 per trip, with their monthly pass rising from Rs 1,225 to Rs 1,255.

• Light motor vehicles (LMVs) and mini-buses will see their single-journey toll increase from Rs 120 to Rs 125.

4. NHAI’s Justification for the Revision:

The National Highways Authority of India has defended this toll revision, emphasizing that the additional revenue generated will be directed toward supporting ongoing infrastructure projects and maintaining road upkeep. The government agency aims to ensure smoother travel on major highways while continuing to enhance road networks.

Impact on Commuters and Commercial Operators:

The toll hikes are likely to impact daily commuters as well as commercial operators who rely on these major highways for business and transport. Commercial operators, particularly those using light and heavy vehicles, are likely to face higher operational costs, while regular commuters may have to pay more for their daily journeys.

Conclusion:

The toll increase implemented by NHAI from April 1 signals the government’s intent to focus on the maintenance and enhancement of the country’s road infrastructure. However, it may lead to a rise in travel costs for many, especially for commercial operators. While the hike may inconvenience commuters, it is being justified by NHAI as a necessary step to fund future infrastructure projects.