Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi/Bengaluru
New Delhi/Bengaluru, Mar 30: In yet another setback for motorists, toll charges on national highways across the country are set to be increased from April 1, adding to the financial burden on vehicle users.
As per the annual practice of revising toll rates on the first day of April every year, the hike has been announced this year as well. Sources indicate that the rates are likely to increase by around 4 to 5 percent.
The revised toll charges will be applicable to all vehicles, including cars, buses, and lorries. Officials stated that the revision is carried out considering the costs involved in highway maintenance, repairs, and development. However, the move is expected to place an additional burden on daily commuters and those in the transport sector who frequently use highways.
Along with the hike, certain changes are also being implemented for FASTag users. Authorities have decided to strictly enforce the rule of charging double toll if there is insufficient balance in the FASTag account or if payment fails due to technical issues. This makes it essential for users to maintain adequate balance in their accounts.
In a bid to promote cashless transactions on highways, greater emphasis is being placed on digital payments. Steps are being taken to further strengthen payment systems through FASTag and UPI, which are expected to help reduce congestion at toll plazas.
Overall, the toll hike is likely to increase daily travel expenses for the general public. The impact will be particularly significant for employees and traders who rely on highways for their routine travel.
Following the increase in national highway toll charges, toll rates on highways within the state will also be revised. Accordingly, toll fees are being increased on nine major national highways in the state, including the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway.
The highways where toll charges are being revised include NH-48 (Bengaluru–Tumakuru–Haveri–Belagavi, Mumbai route), NH-275 (Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway), NH-44 (Bengaluru–Hyderabad), NH-75 (West) (Bengaluru–Hassan–Mangaluru), NH-75 (East) (Bengaluru–Hoskote–Kolar), NH-66 (Mangaluru–Udupi–Kundapur), NH-50/52 (Vijayapura–Hosapete–Chitradurga), NH-150A (Hiriyur–Ballari–Jevargi), and NH-766 (Mysuru–Gundlupet).
Since its launch, the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway has undergone multiple revisions. This will be the fourth price hike since toll collection began on April 1, 2023. A steep 22 percent hike introduced in June 2023 was later withdrawn following public opposition. However, officials had already announced an annual increase of around 5 percent, and the toll rates have now been revised once again.