Traveling by road and between cities already costs a significant amount in terms of fuel and toll taxes. The NHAI has now decided to make highway journeys even more expensive by increasing the toll prices paid for road usage.

Reasons for High Toll Taxes

Reportedly, the NHAI has an outstanding debt of Rs 3.43 lakh crore, which it intends to recover through various methods. One of the primary approaches is increasing tolls on highways and expressways. With the construction of new highways and expressways, the collection of toll taxes will expand, helping the NHAI recover its debts more quickly.

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According to an NHAI representative, toll taxes are set to increase by almost 10 percent each year for the next decade, leading to more expensive travel in the coming years.

Projections for 3 Major Expressways and Their Tolls

India has several national highways and a few expressways, with more in the works. Among these, three major expressways connect major cities across the country. Let’s calculate the tolls for these routes based on the NHAI’s plans.

Yamuna Expressway (Delhi – Agra): By FY 2023-24, the toll on this expressway for a car will be Rs 440 (one way). Assuming a 10 percent increase in taxes, the toll will reach Rs 484 in FY 2024-25 and could reach Rs 1140 after 10 years.

Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway (Mumbai – Pune): Currently, this car journey costs Rs 320. In the next financial year, it will rise to Rs 352, and after 10 years, it may cost Rs 830.

Delhi – Jaipur Expressway: For a car, the one-way toll on this route is currently Rs 305. After one year, it will increase to Rs 335, and in 10 years, it could be around Rs 790.

These tolls will particularly affect commercial vehicle drivers, such as truck drivers, who already pay higher fees than car users. This will result in increased logistics costs for various industries, which in turn will lead to higher prices for products. Thus, the rising toll rates will impact both highway travelers and the general public.

Other Methods of Debt Recovery

Although toll taxes will contribute significantly to debt recovery, they are not the only source of income for the NHAI. The organization can generate additional revenue by establishing more fuel pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, food courts, and other service-related infrastructure. This will benefit the public by improving infrastructure and increasing sales and rental income for the NHAI.

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However, with the NHAI’s plan and the frequent increase in fuel prices, travel expenses will undoubtedly rise. Share your thoughts on this development in the comments section below.