Toll Tax Hike: The Center, which has already increased the prices of cooking gas and ruined the common man’s life, is once again ready for a huge hit. The sector is gearing up for an unexpected burden on motorists. The sector is preparing to increase the toll tax. In this order, the cost of passengers traveling on expressways and national highways is likely to increase. Already the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas are touching the sky. It is reported that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to increase the toll tax prices by 5 percent to 10 percent from April 1. Motorists are concerned that increasing the toll charges will put more burden on the motorists.
According to the National Highways Fee Rules 2008, the toll rates are revised every year till April 1. In order to implement the increased prices as per this policy, NHAI has directed the concerned department to complete these works before March 25. Policy decisions on toll issues are being taken on a timely basis as per the requirements. As per the new rates, cars and light vehicles will be taxed 5 percent more per trip. Also, the toll tax on heavy vehicles may be increased to 10 percent.
Toll tax has been increased from 10 to 15 percent in 2022. The tariff prices of all types of vehicles plying on national highways were increased from a minimum of Rs.10 to Rs.60 at that time. At present, toll tax is charged at the rate of Rs.2.19 per kilometer on the expressway. The 135-km-long, six-lane ‘Eastern Peripheral Expressway’ and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway will also see a hike in toll rates this year.
Increase in monthly passes..
The monthly pass facility provided to residents living within 20 km from the toll plaza will also be increased by 10 percent. As per the National Highways Fee Rules 2008, there are no exemptions even for those near toll gates. However, if one owns a non-commercial vehicle and resides within 20 km from the charge plaza, unlimited travel through the toll plaza will be charged Rs. 315 for a monthly pass.
In the financial year 2022.. toll collected on national highways will be Rs. 33,881.22 crores was collected. This is at least 21 percent higher than the previous year’s collection, central reports said. Since 2018-19, the total toll collected on national highways in the country is Rs. 1,48,405.30 crore, registering a growth of 32 percent.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport, Highways (MoRTH), total toll collection through FASTag at toll plazas on national and state highways in 2022 will average Rs. 50,855 crores or Rs. 139.32 crores were collected. Already the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas are touching the sky. At this juncture, the motorists are expressing concern that increasing the toll charges will put more burden on the motorists.
