Toll rates at 66 plazas across Tamil Nadu to be revised from April 1
The Hindu
Toll rates at 66 Tamil Nadu plazas will rise by 5-7% from April 1, alongside an increase in Fastag pass fees.
Toll rates are to be revised at 66 of the total 77 plazas on National Highways in the State from April 1. The rates will be increased by 5% to 7%.
The annual revision is based on the wholesale price index. The rates for the remaining toll plazas will be revised in September.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also revised the cost of the annual Fastag pass from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075, effective April 1. These passes were introduced last year and are being used by private vehicles, especially cars and jeeps, that frequently travel on national highways.
R. Kuppusamy of Sri Saraswathi Travels said an increase in toll rates would only make more people shun travel by yellow-board cars. “As it is, people use our services only in case of emergencies or if cost is not an issue. With on-road driver batta and diesel prices going up, a road trip that used to cost ₹3,000 now costs ₹5,000-₹5,500. The introduction of Vande Bharat train services has also come as a blow as more people choose them. If some kind of pass system is introduced for yellow-board vehicles, it would help the industry,” he added.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said that this annual revision would only lead to an increase in freight and ticket costs on buses. “Bus tickets are already very expensive. During the festival season, the omni bus companies charge ticket fares according to their whims and fancies. As far as freight is concerned, the annual increase in toll rates will result in transporters passing on the increase to consumers and those sending parcels,” he said.
S. Yuvaraj of the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorries Federation said that when toll rates are increased, the cost of construction also goes up. “Despite our continuous demand to remove toll plazas that have fulfilled their purpose, the number of plazas only keeps going up. The Centre has now said that the tolls will remain in perpetuity to cover maintenance costs of the roads,” he added.
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