Key Points
- Effective Date: Revised toll rates across national highways and expressways will come into effect from midnight, March 31, 2025.
- Routes Impacted: Major highways like Delhi-Meerut Expressway, NH-9, Lucknow-Kanpur, and Delhi-Jaipur Highway will see increased toll charges.
- Rate Changes: Cars face hikes between ₹5-10, while heavy vehicles like trucks and buses will experience steeper increases.
- Reason for Hike: NHAI cites the need for infrastructure maintenance and road improvements as the reason behind the annual toll revision.
New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a nationwide toll tax hike effective April 1, 2025. This annual revision will impact daily commuters, transport operators, and businesses relying on road logistics. The revised rates apply to key routes such as the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, NH-9, Lucknow-Kanpur Highway, and Delhi-Jaipur Highway.
The toll hike ranges from ₹5 to ₹10 for light vehicles like cars and jeeps, while heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks face increases of ₹20 to ₹25 per trip. This marks the second toll revision within a year, following the previous hike in June 2024.
Detailed Changes in Toll Rates
Here’s a breakdown of the new toll charges for major routes:
Delhi-Meerut Expressway (Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut)
- Cars/Jeep: Increased from ₹165 to ₹170.
- Light Commercial Vehicles: Now ₹275 (previously ₹270).
- Trucks: Raised from ₹580 to ₹590.
Lucknow Routes (Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli)
- Cars/Jeep: Increased by ₹5 to ₹10 per trip.
- Heavy Vehicles: Toll raised by ₹20 to ₹25 per trip.
Chhijarsi Toll Plaza (NH-9)
- Cars: Increased from ₹170 to ₹175.
- Light Commercial Vehicles: New rate is ₹280 (up from ₹270).
- Trucks/Buses: Increased from ₹580 to ₹590.
Delhi-Jaipur Highway (Kherki Daula Toll Plaza)
- Large Vehicles: Single-trip toll increased by ₹5; two-way travel costs an additional ₹10.
- Monthly Passes: Revised rates are now ₹950 for private cars and ₹1255 for commercial vehicles.
Varanasi-Gorakhpur NH-29 Expressway
- A flat 5% increase in toll rates has been implemented across all vehicle categories.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The toll tax hike is expected to have a ripple effect on transportation costs and consumer expenses:
- Higher Travel Costs: Daily commuters will need to budget for increased toll expenses on frequently used routes.
- Transport Sector Burden: Bus and truck operators may pass on the additional costs to passengers and businesses, leading to higher freight charges and potentially increased prices for goods.
- Local Residents: Monthly pass fees for residents living near toll plazas have also risen by ₹5 to ₹10 depending on the location.
Why Is the Toll Tax Being Increased?
NHAI has justified the hike as part of its annual revenue model aimed at improving road infrastructure under flagship schemes like Bharatmala Pariyojana. The increase is linked to inflation adjustments based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Officials claim that the additional revenue will fund ongoing maintenance projects and enhance service quality across India’s rapidly expanding highway network.
Ease of Payment with FASTag
To streamline toll payments, FASTag users will automatically be charged based on updated rates starting April 1. Travelers are advised to ensure sufficient balance in their FASTag wallets to avoid penalties or delays at toll plazas.
Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among commuters:
- Some acknowledge the need for better infrastructure but question frequent hikes without visible improvements in road conditions.
- Others express concerns about affordability amidst rising fuel prices and inflation.
Prepare for April 1 Changes
With the revised rates set to take effect at midnight tonight, travelers should plan their journeys accordingly:
- Check updated toll rates via NHAI’s website or FASTag app before traveling.
- Recharge FASTag wallets in advance for seamless payments.
- Businesses should revise logistics estimates factoring in higher transportation costs.
While the toll hike may strain budgets in the short term, NHAI assures that it is a necessary step toward modernizing India’s highway infrastructure for safer and more comfortable travel experiences in the future.
