Travel Costs Rise as NHAI Revises Toll Rates Across India
If you frequently travel on expressways or national highways, get ready to pay more! The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a nationwide hike in toll tax rates, which will take effect from April 1, 2025. The new rates will be applicable from midnight on March 31, 2025, impacting millions of daily commuters and transport businesses.
Lucknow Routes Face Steepest Hike
Several key highways around Lucknow will see increased toll charges, affecting daily commuters and transporters alike. Routes including Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Rae Bareli, and Barabanki will see toll rates rise across all vehicle categories.
- Light Vehicles (Car/Jeep): ₹5-₹10 increase per trip
- Heavy Vehicles (Buses/Trucks): ₹20-₹25 hike
Delhi-Meerut Expressway & NH-9 Toll Increases
The toll on Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and NH-9 will rise, impacting thousands of daily travelers.
- Car/Jeep (Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut): ₹165 → ₹170
- Light Commercial Vehicles: ₹275
- Trucks/Buses: ₹580
- Ghaziabad to Meerut commuters: ₹70 → ₹75
Delhi-Jaipur Highway & NH-44 Impacted
Commuters traveling between Delhi and Jaipur on NH-44 will face increased costs at Kherki Daula, Gharaunda, and Ghaggar toll plazas.
🔹 Gharaunda Toll Plaza (NH-44):
- One-way toll: ₹195
- Round-trip toll: ₹290
- Monthly toll pass for buses/trucks: ₹21,750 (up from ₹21,000)
🔹 Ghaggar Toll Plaza:
- Cars/Jeep: ₹5 hike
- Monthly Pass: ₹145 costlier
- Bus/Truck Pass: ₹475
🔹 Kherki Daula Toll Plaza:
- Heavy vehicle toll increased by ₹5
- No return journey discount, adding ₹10 extra for round-trip travel
- Monthly pass for commercial vehicles: ₹1,255
Toll Hike in Varanasi-Gorakhpur & Rohtak Routes
- Varanasi-Gorakhpur NH-29 Expressway: 5% toll increase from April 1.
- Rohtak, Haryana (Makhadauli & Madina Toll Plazas):
- Cars: ₹5 extra
- Buses/Trucks: ₹10 increase
Impact of Toll Hike on Commuters & Businesses
The increased toll charges will raise transportation costs, impacting commuters, logistics companies, and long-haul transport businesses. Daily travelers will now have to reassess budgets, while goods transport costs are expected to rise, affecting retail prices for consumers.
Why is NHAI Increasing Toll Charges?
According to NHAI, the toll hike is necessary to maintain, upgrade, and expand India’s highway infrastructure. With rising fuel prices and operational costs, regular toll revisions help fund road safety improvements, better maintenance, and new highway projects.
Final Takeaway: Plan Your Travel Budget Accordingly
If you frequently use highways, prepare for increased travel expenses from April 1, 2025. The revised toll rates will impact major routes across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Haryana, and other states.
💬 What’s your take on the toll tax hike? Will it affect your travel plans? Let us know in the comments! 🚗💨
