NHAI Hikes Toll Charges on Highways and Expressways Nationwide

NEW DELHI:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented a nationwide hike in toll charges on highways and expressways, effective from April 1. The revised rates apply to all categories of vehicles, including private cars, buses, trucks, and commercial carriers.

According to NHAI officials, the toll revision is part of an annual exercise aimed at adjusting charges in accordance with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and the rising costs of maintenance and infrastructure development.

The hike varies depending on the type of road infrastructure—national highways, expressways, and bypasses—and the category of the vehicle. Reports indicate that for private cars, the increase ranges between Rs 5 and Rs 20, while for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, the hike ranges between Rs 10 and Rs 80.

The Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and other prominent corridors have witnessed noticeable increases, drawing mixed reactions from commuters and transport associations.

Transporters have raised concerns about the impact of the toll hike on logistics costs, with many fearing a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities. However, NHAI has justified the revision, citing the need to maintain high-quality road infrastructure and support ongoing and upcoming development projects.

Frequent commuters, especially daily travelers and transport operators, have expressed dissatisfaction, urging the government to reconsider the hike or offer monthly pass concessions to alleviate the financial burden.

The NHAI is expected to release detailed toll charts for various highways and expressways on its official website, providing clarity on the updated rates for different vehicle categories.