The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised user fee charges at eight toll plazas in Punjab and Haryana. The new rates take effect from July 15, making road travel slightly more expensive for commuters in these states.
Which Toll Plazas Are Affected by the NHAI Hike?
According to reports, commuters traveling through Sangrur, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Bathinda, Abohar, and Maur will be affected. The increase ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 10 for private vehicle users at several locations.
New Toll Rates at Key Plazas
At the Ghulal Toll Plaza on the Chandigarh-Kharar-Ludhiana section (NH-5), the toll for private cars and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) has been revised to Rs 115 for a single journey and Rs 170 for a two-way journey. For buses and trucks, the user fee is now Rs 390 for a single journey and Rs 580 for a two-way journey.
At the Kot Karor Toll Plaza on the Amritsar-Tarn Taran-Harike-Faridkot-Bathinda section (NH-15), the toll for cars and LMVs has also been revised. The exact new rates for this plaza were not fully detailed in the provided sources, but the overall hike applies across all eight plazas.
Why Is NHAI Increasing Toll Rates?
The revision is part of NHAI's regular process to adjust user fees based on inflation and maintenance costs. The increases range from Rs 5 to Rs 15 for different vehicle categories, as noted in social media posts from local news outlets.
Our Take: A Small But Noticeable Burden on Daily Commuters
This toll hike, while modest in amount, adds to the daily expenses of thousands of commuters who rely on these highways. For private vehicle users, an extra Rs 5 to Rs 10 per trip may not seem like much, but over a month of regular travel, it adds up. The increase also affects logistics and transport costs, which could trickle down to consumers. In our view, while NHAI's need to maintain roads is understandable, the timing and cumulative impact on the public should be carefully considered. Commuters should plan their travel budgets accordingly and explore alternative routes where possible.
