The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a hike in toll taxes, leading to costlier road travel across the country. The hike comes into effect from today (1 April), with vehicles travelling on national highways having to pay more than 14% compared to the previous rates. This hike is due to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) under the NH Fee Rules, 2008. As per the new NHAI order, toll taxes for private cars will increase from ₹5 per day to ₹1,150 per month.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has also increased toll rates on the Mumbai-Pune expressway by 18%, with subsequent hikes planned every three years. Under the new toll rates, private cars will now be charged ₹320, up from ₹270, while an additional ₹40 will be charged at Vashi toll naka while entering Mumbai. Toll prices for other vehicles have also increased, with buses now charged ₹940, tempos charged ₹495, trucks charged ₹685, and multi-axel heavy vehicles charged ₹2,165.
Similarly, the NHAI has increased toll taxes by 22-23% on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway. Small vehicles such as cars and vans, which previously paid ₹135 for a single journey between Nidaghatta and Bengaluru, will now have to pay ₹165. For round trips, the toll tax will be ₹250. Large vehicles, on the other hand, will have to pay ₹270 for a one-way trip and ₹405 for a round trip.
Other expressways and highways have also seen an increase in toll taxes. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway at Sarai Kale Khan toll plaza now charges ₹160 for light motor vehicles, ₹260 for LCB, ₹554 for 6-tyre trucks, and ₹855 for 10-tyre trucks. The NH-9 Chijarsa toll plaza charges ₹165 for LMV, ₹265 for LCB, ₹555 for 6-tyre trucks, ₹605 for 10-tyre trucks, and ₹870 for 12-tyre trucks. The Purvanchal expressway and Agra-Lucknow expressway now charge ₹685 for LMV, ₹1090 for LCB, and ₹2195 for buses and trucks. The Yamuna Expressway charges ₹437 for small cars and vans, ₹684 for LCB, and ₹2729 for trollers.
The hike in toll taxes has not been welcomed by everyone, with many road users expressing their dissatisfaction on social media. Some have pointed out that while the hike in toll taxes may help generate revenue for the government, it will also add to the burden of citizens who are already grappling with rising fuel prices.
However, others have argued that the hike in toll taxes is necessary to fund the maintenance and development of India’s national highways and expressways. They have pointed out that toll taxes are a common means of generating revenue for road infrastructure projects around the world.
In conclusion, road travel is set to become costlier across India as toll taxes have been hiked on national highways, expressways, and highways. While this may help generate revenue for the government, it will also add to the burden of road users who are already facing rising fuel prices. Nevertheless, toll taxes are a common means of generating revenue for road infrastructure projects, and many believe that the hike is necessary to fund the maintenance and development of India’s highways and expressways.
