Millions of people who drive daily on the national highways of Punjab and Haryana are about to feel a heavier pinch in their pockets. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has increased toll charges at several key toll plazas across the two states. What makes it significant is that the new rates have come into force starting today, which means you will pay more the moment you hit these highways. And this hike will not spare anyone, it hits car owners as well as bus and truck operators.
The authority has revised user fees at a total of 8 major toll plazas in Punjab and Haryana. The list includes the Ghulal, Kot Karor, Kala Tibba, Shekhupura, Lehra Bega, Khuiyan Sarwar, Kalajhar and Peynd toll plazas. Under the new structure, cars and light motor vehicles will pay an increase of 5 to 10 rupees at most locations, while the fees for buses and trucks have been separately revised upward as well.
Which Cities Will Feel the Impact Most
The sharpest effect of the revised rates will fall on travellers who commute daily between Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Bathinda, Abohar, Patiala, Maur and Sangrur. Along with private vehicle owners, the operating costs for bus operators and goods-carrying truck owners will also climb. Observers believe this could eventually flow through to freight and transport expenses down the line.
New Rates at Some Key Toll Plazas
At the Ghulal toll plaza on the Chandigarh-Kharar-Ludhiana highway, cars and light vehicles will now pay 115 rupees for a one-way trip and 170 rupees for a return, or two-way, journey. Buses here have been set a fee of 390 rupees and trucks 580 rupees. Similarly, at the Kot Karor toll plaza the one-way charge for a car will be 50 rupees and the two-way rate 70 rupees, while buses will pay 165 rupees and trucks 250 rupees. At the Shekhupura toll plaza, meanwhile, the one-way car fee has been raised to 55 rupees and the two-way fee to 85 rupees.
Check the New Rates Before You Set Out
If you are planning a journey on any of these routes, make sure to check the latest rates for the toll plaza you will pass through before leaving home. That way you won't be caught off guard by a bigger deduction during your trip and can plan your budget in advance. All in all, with the new toll rates now in effect, an increase in expenses for daily commuters and for those tied to the transport business is seen as all but certain.
