NHA Hikes Toll Taxes for Third Time in Seven Months

The National Highways Authority (NHA) has announced a significant increase in toll taxes on highways and motorways, marking the third hike within the past seven months. Effective from January 5, 2025, this adjustment aims to meet the ambitious revenue target of Rs. 102 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, a significant increase from the Rs. 64 billion collected in 2023-24.

Key Routes Affected

The toll hikes impact several major routes, including:

• Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M1)
• Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M3)
• Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M4)
• Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5)
• D I Khan-Hakla Motorway (M14)
• Mansehra Expressway

Additional increases have been implemented on routes such as the Kohat Tunnel (N55), Islamabad-Murree-Kohala Highway (N75), and Mianwali Toll Plaza (N135).

Revised Toll Rates by Vehicle Category

Motorways:

1. Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M1):
   • Cars: Rs. 500 (up from Rs. 460)
   • Wagons: Rs. 750 (up from Rs. 720)
   • Buses: Rs. 1,450 (up from Rs. 1,300)
   • Trucks: Rs. 2,300 (up from Rs. 1,950)
2. Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M3):
   • Cars: Rs. 700 (up from Rs. 650)
3. Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M4):
   • Cars: Rs. 950 (up from Rs. 850)
4. Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5):
   • Cars: Rs. 1,100 (up from Rs. 1,050)
5. D I Khan-Hakla Motorway (M14):
   • Cars: Rs. 600 (new rate)

National Highways:

1. General Toll Hikes:
   • Cars: Rs. 60 (up from Rs. 50)
   • Wagons: Rs. 100 (up from Rs. 80)
   • Buses: Rs. 200 (up from Rs. 170)
2. Heavy Vehicles:
   • 2- and 3-Axle Trucks: Rs. 250 (new rate)
   • Articulated Trucks: Rs. 500 (up from Rs. 460)

Implications for Commuters

The repeated toll hikes have led to rates more than doubling over a short period, sparking concerns among commuters and transporters. The higher tolls are expected to impact both passenger and freight transport costs, likely leading to increased prices for goods and services.

For instance, a regular car traveling on the M1 now faces a Rs. 40 increase per trip, while a bus operator sees a rise of Rs. 150. This pattern is consistent across other motorways and highways, where incremental hikes compound the burden on long-distance travelers and commercial operators.

Reasons for the Increase

The NHA has justified these toll hikes as necessary to:

• Meet operational and maintenance costs for Pakistan’s expanding road network.
• Achieve its revenue target of Rs. 102 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25.
• Support infrastructure improvements and repayment obligations for completed projects.

Public Reaction and Future Outlook

The frequency and magnitude of these toll increases have drawn criticism from the public and stakeholders in the transport sector. Many have expressed frustration over the financial strain, especially as inflation and rising fuel costs already weigh heavily on commuters.

While the NHA has emphasized that these hikes are essential for sustaining the national road network, concerns persist about the affordability and accessibility of public infrastructure.

As these new rates come into effect, the NHA’s ability to balance revenue generation with public satisfaction will be closely watched.