The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has levied a hike in toll charges by 4-5 percent for commuters using national highways and expressways. These increased toll rates came into effect on April 1 as part of an annual review process based on wholesale price index (WPI) inflation.
- Toll tax for national highways and expressways hiked by 4-5 percent as of April 1
- Approximately 855 toll plazas impacted nationwide
- Increased toll charge revenue to be allocated to highway development
National highway toll tax increase in April 2025 explained
Roughly 855 toll plazas affected around India
Toll rates are adjusted every year by the NHAI under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The latest toll charge hike impacts around 855 toll plazas nationwide, comprised of 675 public-funded ones and 180 operated by private contractors.
Major routes impacted by the toll charge increase include the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, NH-9, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, and several others. Curiously, this marks the second toll charge increase within a one-year time span, with the previous hike having been implemented in June 2024.
Revenue from toll tax hikes to support highway infrastructure
Officials have confirmed that the hike is in line with standard annual revisions and applies to each highway section in varying degrees. The NHAI has also assured that the additional revenue from the increased toll charges will go towards highway infrastructure maintenance and ongoing expansion projects.
Hormazd Sorabjee
Anurag Chaturvedi
