Voting Over, NHAI Increases Toll Plaza Rates (Image: NHAI)
A day after the conclusion of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a revision in toll plaza rates across several states, effective from Monday. The updated rates were detailed in a notification published in various newspapers on Sunday.
According to NHAI officials, this annual adjustment is based on changes in the wholesale price index-based inflation. The decision to revise toll rates comes two months after the Election Commission of India instructed NHAI to implement the increased rates following the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, ensuring the timing coincides with the end of the election process.
An NHAI official informed Reuters that the toll rates will increase by 3% to 5% at nearly 1,100 toll plazas starting June 3. “With the election process over, the revision of user fee (toll) rates, which was put on hold during the elections, will take effect from Monday,” the official stated.
The increase in toll rates has historically been a contentious issue. While NHAI emphasises the necessity of these adjustments for funding road expansion projects, opposition parties criticise the move for potentially adding financial strain to the common citizen.
Back with a vengeance. NHAI toll rates is going up by 5% from June 2nd. He was holding this from April-1st. Thank you Ji! pic.twitter.com/VJL6svoqsO
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) June 2, 2024
