Tag - National Highway toll hike

Key highlights Toll fees on national highways and expressways have increased by 4-5% starting April 1, 2025. The hike is part of NHAI's annual review, aligning toll rates with inflation based on the wholesale price index. Commuters on major routes like Delhi-Meerut Expressway and NH-9 will see revised charges. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a 4-5% hike in toll fees across national highways and expressways, effective April 1, 2025. This marks the second toll increase in less than a year, following a similar revision in June 2024. The adjustment is part of NHAI's annual review process, which aligns toll rates with inflation based on the wholesale price index. Toll Fees hike impact The revised toll charges will impact commuters on several key routes, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, NH-9, and the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. For instance, the one-way toll for cars traveling from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway has increased from INR 165 to INR 170. Similarly, the toll for light commercial vehicles on this route now stands at INR 275, while trucks will pay INR 580 per trip. At the Chhijarsi toll plaza on NH-9, car tolls have risen from INR 170 to INR 175, and buses and trucks will now pay INR 590. Highways around Lucknow, including those connecting to Kanpur, Ayodhya, and Raebareli, have also seen increases. Light vehicles on these routes will pay an additional INR 5-10 per trip, while heavy vehicles will face a hike of INR 20-25. Toll Fees hike reaction The toll hike has sparked mixed reactions among commuters. While some acknowledge the need for additional revenue to maintain and expand the highway network, others express frustration over the frequent increases. NHAI has clarified that the additional revenue will support highway upkeep and expansion projects, ensuring better infrastructure for travelers. A senior official from the highways ministry explained, "The toll fee change is an annual exercise linked to inflation. It helps us maintain the quality of national highways and fund new projects." The revised rates apply to approximately 855 toll plazas across the country, with separate notifications issued for each highway and expressway. Also read: India to become an EV giant by 2030