Toll Hike Price : In a significant development impacting commuters, toll charges on Mumbai’s iconic Rajiv Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link are set to surge by approximately 18 percent starting April 1.
According to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, the revised rates will see commuters forking out Rs 100 for a one-way trip for cars and jeeps. Meanwhile, minibuses, tempos, and vehicles of similar categories will be subjected to a fee of Rs 160, marking a notable increase from the existing charges.
Nationwide Toll Surge: NHAI Announces Up to 5% Increase
The toll landscape across the nation is poised for a shake-up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) rolling out an announcement of toll hikes, slated to come into effect from April 1. With toll charges set to escalate by up to five percent, commuters traversing routes like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Eastern Peripheral, and Delhi-Meerut Expressway are bracing for heightened expenses.
NHAI’s directive mandates the implementation of revised toll rates at toll plazas nationwide, exacerbating the financial strain on the populace, including commuters frequenting the toll roads of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Commuters to Bear 5% Toll Increase
Effective April 1, travelers on the bustling Delhi-Meerut Expressway will bear the brunt of a five percent toll increase. This surge in toll charges aligns with the annual tradition of toll adjustments at the onset of each financial year.
Notably, commuters journeying from Sarai Kale Khan to Dasna on the Delhi Meerut Expressway currently enjoy toll-free passage; however, toll charges kick in as they progress towards Meerut, adding to their financial burden.
Regional Toll Adjustment: Implications for Commuters
The toll adjustments are not limited to specific routes but extend across various regions, affecting commuters traversing different highways and expressways. For instance, commuters plying the Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut route will witness a toll increase from Rs 160 to Rs 165.
Similarly, those journeying from Delhi to Meerut will encounter revised toll charges of Rs 140 upon reaching Bhojpur and Rs 110 at Rasulpur Sikor, indicative of the widespread toll adjustments set to be enforced from April 1.
Diverse Toll Rate Alterations: Catering to Vehicle Categories
The toll rate revisions are tailored to accommodate different vehicle categories, with adjustments based on the vehicle’s axle. Moreover, the issuance of monthly passes at toll plazas is also subject to revision, with the Chhijarsi toll plaza set to issue passes at Rs 340, a slight increase from the previous rate of Rs 330. Similarly, commuters heading towards Hapur from NH-9 can anticipate a toll hike from Rs 165 to Rs 170 at the Chhijarasi toll plaza.
Localized Toll Amendments: Luharli Toll Plaza in Focus
The toll adjustments extend to specific toll plazas such as the Luharli Toll Plaza on NH 91, impacting commuters traveling from Ghaziabad to Aligarh.
As per NHAI guidelines, revised toll rates will be applicable from April 1, reflecting an increase in toll charges. Notably, the toll adjustments encompass various vehicle categories, with varying fee increments depending on the type of vehicle.
Conclusion: Preparedness Amid Toll Surge
As the toll adjustments come into effect from April 1, commuters nationwide must prepare for the financial implications of the revised toll rates. With increased expenses looming on the horizon, commuters are urged to factor in these adjustments while planning their travel budgets.
The toll surge underscores the need for efficient utilization of resources and exploring alternative transportation options to mitigate the impact on commuters’ wallets.
