Just when you were set to leave for hills for your summer vacations, the rates across toll plazas have gone up. The new rates come into effect on Monday, June 3. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an average toll hike of 5 percent starting today.
Why have rates gone up
Toll rates across the NHAI road network are reviewed annualy kick in on April 1 every year. However, the rates were deferred due to the Lok Sabha elections this year.
The new toll rates will be implemented from June 3, 2024, according to a senior NHAI official. This annual revision aligns with changes in the wholesale price index (CPI)-based inflation, which influences the user fee adjustments.
India has a total of about 855 toll plazas. Of these, around 675 are public-funded, while the remaining 180 are operated by concessionaires. The toll hikes are part of an annual exercise conducted under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.