Punjab Newsline | Mohali
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised toll charges at eight toll plazas across Punjab with immediate effect, increasing the travel cost for thousands of daily commuters and commercial vehicle operators.
Among the revised toll plazas, Ladhowal Toll Plaza near Ludhiana, one of the most expensive toll points in the state, has once again witnessed a hike in user fees. Car owners will now have to pay ₹235 instead of ₹225 for a single journey. This marks the second increase in toll rates within nearly four months.
Apart from Ladhowal, toll charges have also been revised at Kalajhar, Lehra Bega, Kot Karor, Ghulal, Kala Tibba, Khuiyan Sarwar, Shekhpura, and Paind toll plazas. Depending on the location, toll charges for cars have increased by ₹5 to ₹10, while revised rates have also been implemented for buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
However, NHAI has retained some relief measures. The monthly pass for non-commercial vehicle owners residing within a 20-km radius of the toll plaza remains unchanged at ₹360. Additionally, registered commercial vehicles in Ludhiana will continue to receive concessional toll rates ranging between ₹115 and ₹755, depending on the vehicle category.
Under the new tariff structure:
Khuiyan Sarwar Toll Plaza (NH-7): Car toll has been revised to ₹105 for a single journey and ₹155 for a return trip. Commercial vehicles will pay ₹350 and ₹520.
Shekhpura Toll Plaza (NH-254): Cars will now pay ₹55 for a single trip and ₹85 for a return journey, while buses and trucks will be charged ₹185 and ₹280.
Paind Toll Plaza (NH-52): Car users will pay ₹95 for a one-way trip and ₹145 for a return trip. Bus and truck toll has been revised to ₹325 and ₹485.
Kalajhar Toll Plaza (NH-64): Cars will pay ₹115 for a single trip and ₹175 for a return journey. Buses and trucks will be charged ₹390 and ₹585, respectively.
Kot Karor Toll Plaza (NH-15): Cars will now pay ₹50 for one-way travel and ₹70 for return trips. Commercial vehicles will be charged ₹165 and ₹250.
Ghulal Toll Plaza (NH-5): Car toll has been increased to ₹115 for a single journey and ₹170 for a return journey. Buses and trucks will pay ₹390 and ₹580.
Lehra Bega Toll Plaza (NH-7): Car toll has been revised to ₹80 for a single trip and ₹120 for a return trip, while buses and trucks will pay ₹270 and ₹400.
Kala Tibba Toll Plaza: Cars and light motor vehicles will be charged ₹50 for one-way travel and ₹80 for return trips. Bus and truck toll has been fixed at ₹175 and ₹265.
The revised toll rates are expected to have the biggest impact on daily commuters who use these highways for work. At Ladhowal Toll Plaza, the monthly pass for regular users has surged to ₹7,815, making it significantly more expensive for salaried employees and small business owners who travel through the route every day.
