We had recently shared the news of toll tax being increased on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link from 1st April 2018. Now, toll rates on highways across the country are poised to increase from 1st April 2018. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to revise toll rates between 5 to 7%. This is expected to result in an increase of good and commodities. According to revised rates applicable from midnight of March 31, toll rates for all categories of vehicles will be increased by 5% on majority of toll plazas. Rates for monthly passes, which includes 50 trips per month are also set to increase. 

Small cars going from Agra to Delhi or vice versa, that travel via NH-2 will be charged Rs. 10 extra toll tax from 1st April onwards. Similarly, commuters from Agra to Jaipur via NH-21 will have to pay around 6% more toll tax. The transporters have said that they are left with no choice but to increase transportation charges and this hit the prices of essential commodities adversly.

As per TOI, Virendra Gupta, president of Agra Transporters’ Welfare Association, said, “Increase in toll rates is highly unreasonable. Transporters were already facing problems dealing with e-way bill and third party premium for vehicles transporting goods. Besides, diesel prices have increased. In such a situation, transportation cost will obviously increase, and due to this, prices of essential commodities will also shoot up.” He has also said that they will protest against this hike.

He added, “We are in constant touch with senior leaders of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Transporters will hold protest against increased toll rates in the larger public interest,” he added. AIMTC is an 81-year-old apex body of transporters, both cargo and passenger, representing 93 lakh truckers 50 lakh bus & tourist operators.

Charan Singh, who is the president of Agra Public Carrier Association, said, “NH-2 is in a poor condition as NHAI is not able to finish the ongoing six-laning project even after much delay. Other national highways in north India are no better. Even then, toll rates have been increased. The government must consider a rollback.”

There has always been a debate on toll rates, especially when the roads in question are not maintained well. Tolls have been increasing periodically, however the status of the roads has not improved as expected.

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