As April approaches, road travellers on national highways and expressways, notably the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, are bracing themselves for an impending toll tax hike by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
This move, slated to take effect from April 1, signifies a strategic maneuver by NHAI to bolster revenue streams for infrastructure development and maintenance. Reports indicate that the proposed toll hike ranges between 5-10%, with light vehicles like cars facing a 5% increment per trip, while heavier vehicles may encounter a 10% surge in toll charges. Presently, commuters traversing from Meerut to Sarai Kale Khan shell out Rs. 160 for car trips and Rs. 250 for light vehicles, figures that are poised to witness proportional escalation under the upcoming adjustment.
The spotlight falls particularly on key arteries such as the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway, where toll tax increments are poised to impact thousands of drivers navigating these vital routes. Notably, the toll tax on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway currently stands at Rs. 2.19 per kilometer, indicating a substantial financial implication for travelers along its 135 km stretch. This incremental toll regime underscores NHAI’s strategic imperative to augment revenue reservoirs, crucial for financing expansive infrastructure projects and ensuring the sustained upkeep of existing road networks. However, the move also elicits concerns regarding its potential ramifications on commuters’ travel budgets and overall economic dynamics.
With infrastructure development being a cornerstone of economic growth, NHAI’s decision to implement toll tax hikes warrants a nuanced evaluation of its broader implications. While the measure promises to infuse additional capital into critical infrastructure ventures, its impact on the affordability and accessibility of road travel remains a pertinent consideration. As travelers brace for higher toll charges, the discourse surrounding infrastructure financing, equitable toll distribution, and regulatory oversight assumes heightened significance. NHAI’s toll price hike on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway beckons a comprehensive analysis of the delicate balance between revenue generation imperatives and ensuring public welfare in India’s evolving transportation landscape.
