From April 1 onwards, commuters traveling on the Pune-Satara and Pune-Nashik highways are facing escalated toll charges, as announced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The toll hike, amounting to 2.5%, applies to national highways across Pune district, impacting both individual travelers and businesses alike. This increase in toll charges is part of an annual adjustment mandated by the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules of 2008, aimed at ensuring adequate revenue for highway maintenance and development. The Pune-Satara highway, serving as a crucial connector between two prominent cities in Maharashtra, witnesses substantial daily traffic. Key toll plazas located in Shivapur and Anewadi villages mark entry points to this route. Notably, toll rates for light vehicles at these checkpoints have risen from ₹115 to ₹120. Similarly, the Pune-Nashik highway, another vital transport artery in the state, experiences heavy commuter and cargo traffic between the cities. Toll booths at Chalkewadi and Hivargaon on this route have also witnessed toll increases, impacting motorbike, jeep, and light vehicle owners who will now pay ₹110 instead of ₹105.
Moreover, one-way transportation charges for trucks and buses on the Pune-Nashik highway have surged to ₹370, posing potential challenges for businesses involved in goods transportation. NHAI officials acknowledge the delicate balance required between infrastructure development and toll policies. They emphasise the need to ensure adequate funding for maintaining and upgrading highways while simultaneously considering the impact on commuters and businesses. Traffic volume analysis reveals significant daily traffic at key toll booths, with approximately 65,000 cars passing through Khed-Shivapur and 60,000 at Anewadi. During extended weekends, this volume further spikes to around 80,000 to 85,000 cars, highlighting the importance of efficient toll management strategies to mitigate congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
