Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 8: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sharply revised toll charges at the Sukekulan toll plaza on the NH-66 link road to Mopa airport, with the new rates coming into effect from Monday and remaining valid until March 31.

Under the revised tariff, cars, vans and other light motor vehicles will be charged Rs 45 for a single journey and Rs 70 for a return journey within 24 hours, compared to the earlier rate of Rs 19.70 per trip.

The monthly pass for 50 single journeys has been fixed at Rs 1,575, while eligible local residents can avail themselves of a monthly pass for Rs 360. Earlier, the local monthly pass was available for Rs 350.

A key change has also been introduced for taxis. While taxis were earlier charged Rs 32.50 per trip, North Goa-registered taxis will now pay Rs 25 per trip.

For other vehicle categories, the revised single-journey toll rates are:

Light commercial vehicles and mini-buses: Rs 75
Buses and two-axle trucks: Rs 160
Three-axle commercial vehicles: Rs 175
Heavy vehicles with four to six axles: Rs 250
Oversized vehicles with seven or more axles: Rs 305

The toll revision comes amid continued opposition from taxi operators, who have been demanding withdrawal of the fee.

Taxi operators had earlier threatened protests over the toll, including a proposal to drop passengers at the toll plaza instead of taking them directly to the airport terminal.