The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented a 5% hike in toll charges on national highways, effective from Monday. This revision in user fees marks NHAI’s annual exercise, aimed at recalibrating toll rates to align with evolving economic dynamics and infrastructure requirements.
According to a senior NHAI official, the decision to raise toll charges is a routine practice undertaken by the state-owned body, involving a meticulous assessment of various parameters. While the annual toll revision typically occurs from April 1, this year witnessed a delayed implementation due to the scheduling of general elections. Nevertheless, NHAI proceeded with the revision, reflecting an average increase of 5% in toll rates across national highways.
The impact of this toll hike is palpable, especially for commuters who rely on national highways for their daily travel needs. With fuel prices already soaring, the augmented toll rates exacerbate the financial burden on road users, eliciting concerns from various quarters. An advertising professional, frequenting the Delhi-Lucknow route, lamented the additional costs incurred due to the toll hike, underscoring the broader implications on travel expenses.
NHAI’s toll revision mechanism considers factors such as changes in the wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation, ensuring a recalibration of toll rates in line with prevailing economic conditions. This annual adjustment aims to sustain the financial viability of national highways while facilitating ongoing infrastructure development endeavours. The national highway network comprises approximately 855 user fee plazas, where toll collection is regulated under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Of these, around 675 plazas operate under public funding, while 180 are managed by concessionaires, delineating the diverse operational landscape of toll collection across the country.
As road users navigate through NHAI’s revised toll regime, the implications of this decision resonate across various sectors, prompting a nuanced discourse on transportation economics and infrastructure financing. While toll hikes contribute to revenue generation for highway maintenance and development, they also underscore the imperative for balancing affordability and sustainability in the domain of road usage charges.
