Toll Tax Summary Table
| Highway/Route | Toll Increase | New Toll Charges | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli, Barabanki | Light Vehicles: Rs 5-10; Heavy Vehicles: Rs 20-25 | Varies by vehicle type and plaza | www.nhai.gov.in |
| Delhi-Meerut Expressway (Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut) | Light Vehicles: Rs 170 (from Rs 165); Commercial Vehicles: Rs 275-580 | Rs 170 for Cars, Rs 275 for LCVs, Rs 580 for Trucks | www.nhai.gov.in |
| NH-9 (Chhijarsi Toll Plaza) | Cars: Rs 175 (from Rs 170); Commercial Vehicles: Rs 280-590 | Rs 175 for Cars, Rs 280 for LCVs, Rs 590 for Trucks | www.nhai.gov.in |
| Delhi-Jaipur Highway (Kherki Daula) | Cars: No change; Commercial Vehicles: Rs 5 increase | Rs 125 for LMVs, Rs 85 each way for Commercial Vehicles | www.nhai.gov.in |
Toll Tax Hike 2025: Impact on Personal and Commercial Vehicle Owners
Starting April 1, 2025, personal vehicle owners and commercial drivers using highways around Lucknow and Delhi will face increased toll taxes. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a significant rise in toll fees across several major routes, including Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli, Barabanki highways, and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The decision, which takes effect at midnight on March 31, is expected to cause financial inconvenience for many travelers. In this article, we will break down the toll tax changes, explain how they will impact both light and heavy vehicle owners, and look at the reasons behind the hike.
1. Toll Tax Increase for Vehicles on Lucknow Highways
The toll tax hike that is set to affect the Lucknow-Kanpur, Ayodhya, Raebareli, and Barabanki highways is a major concern for commuters. According to the NHAI, the toll tax for light vehicles will increase by 5 to 10 rupees, while heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, will experience a hike of 20 to 25 rupees. These increases apply to several toll plazas along these highways.
- Light Vehicles: The toll rates for cars and jeeps will rise by a modest 5 to 10 rupees. While this may seem minimal for a single trip, it will accumulate over time for regular commuters.
- Heavy Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and larger vehicles will face a larger increase, with tolls rising by 20 to 25 rupees. This could lead to significant additional costs for businesses that rely on goods transportation along these routes.
The toll tax increase comes just months after similar hikes in June 2024, which has led many to question the frequency and necessity of these increases.
2. Toll Tax Increases on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and NH-9
In addition to the tolls around Lucknow, vehicle owners traveling on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and NH-9 will also feel the impact of the toll hike.
- Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut: The toll for cars and jeeps traveling this route has gone up by Rs 5, from Rs 165 to Rs 170. Light commercial vehicles will now have to pay Rs 275, and trucks will be charged Rs 580.
- Chhijarsi Toll Plaza (NH-9): For cars, the toll has increased from Rs 170 to Rs 175. Light commercial vehicles will now pay Rs 280, while buses and trucks will face tolls of Rs 590. Additionally, the toll for goods vehicles with more than seven axles has increased by up to Rs 590.
This is the second toll hike in less than a year for these routes. The first increase was implemented in June 2024, which has led to public outcry about the increasing cost of travel on Indian highways.
3. Rising Toll Rates on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway
Toll tax increases have also been announced for the Delhi-Jaipur highway, specifically at the Kherki Daula toll plaza. While the toll for cars and jeeps will remain unchanged, larger vehicles will face an increase of Rs 5. This extra charge will be applied on every trip, adding to the overall travel expenses.
The Kherki Daula toll plaza operates on a unique rule where the 24-hour grace period does not apply. This means that if you return the same day, you will still be required to pay the full toll fee for both the outbound and return journey. As a result, a round trip on the Delhi-Jaipur highway will cost an additional Rs 10.
Additionally, there has been an increase in the cost of monthly passes for frequent travelers using the Kherki Daula toll plaza. The cost of the monthly pass for regular commuters has risen by Rs 20, now priced at Rs 950, up from Rs 930. For commercial vehicles, the toll charge will rise to Rs 85 each way, and the monthly pass will increase by Rs 30, from Rs 1225 to Rs 1255.
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs): The toll for LMVs and mini buses on a single journey has increased from Rs 120 to Rs 125.
- Commercial Vehicles: For trucks and other commercial vehicles, the toll has gone up by Rs 5 to Rs 85 per trip.
4. Why the Toll Tax Increases?
The NHAI’s decision to increase toll rates across these highways is part of its ongoing efforts to fund infrastructure projects and maintain roads. While these toll hikes are intended to ensure the proper maintenance and development of the road network, they also add financial burden on vehicle owners, especially those who use these roads regularly.
The rising costs of road construction and maintenance, along with inflation and rising fuel prices, have made it difficult for authorities to sustain the road network without increasing toll charges. The government has argued that these hikes are necessary to ensure the safety and quality of road infrastructure, which benefits all users in the long run.
5. Impact on Personal and Commercial Vehicle Owners
For personal vehicle owners, the toll hikes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they will add up over time. Commuters who use the highways daily or frequently will feel the pressure of these incremental increases. Those who travel long distances, such as from Lucknow to Kanpur or Meerut, will see their travel expenses rise by several hundred rupees per month.
Commercial vehicle owners, on the other hand, will face more significant increases. Trucks and buses are already subject to higher tolls due to their size and weight, and the latest hikes will further increase operating costs for businesses that depend on road transportation. Given the economic pressures that many businesses are facing, the toll increases could lead to higher costs for consumers, as transportation companies may pass on the increased toll fees to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why has the NHAI raised toll fees on highways?
The toll fee increase is part of an effort to maintain and develop the road network. Rising infrastructure costs, inflation, and the need for regular maintenance have led to these increases.
2. When will the new toll rates apply?
The new toll rates will be implemented starting at midnight on March 31, 2025.
3. Will there be any further toll hikes in the near future?
While no specific dates are provided, toll rates are reviewed periodically, and increases may occur depending on the need for infrastructure development.
4. How will these toll increases affect my daily commute?
If you use these highways frequently, you will see a gradual rise in your commuting costs. For commercial vehicle owners, the impact will be more significant, adding to the overall operational expenses.
5. Are there any discounts or passes available for frequent travelers?
Yes, for regular commuters, the NHAI offers monthly passes, which provide some savings compared to paying the single-journey toll fee. However, the cost of these passes has also increased with the latest hike.
For More Information Click Here