The National Highways Authority (NHA) has announced yet another toll tax hike on highways and motorways across Pakistan, marking the third such increase in just seven months. Effective from January 5, 2025, the move is aimed at generating a significant rise in revenue, targeting Rs. 102 billion by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. This hike impacts multiple major routes, including some of the country’s busiest motorways, further burdening commuters amidst rising living costs.
Key Toll Tax Increases Across Major Routes
This latest toll hike applies to various routes, with significant increases across the board:
- Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1)
- 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)
- National Highways
- Cars: Rs. 60 (up from Rs. 50)
- Wagons: Rs. 100 (up from Rs. 70)
- Buses: Rs. 200 (up from Rs. 170)
- Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M-3)
- Cars: Rs. 700 (up from Rs. 650)
- Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M-4)
- Cars: Rs. 950 (up from Rs. 850)
- Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5)
- Cars: Rs. 1,100 (up from Rs. 1,050)
- Dera Ismail Khan-Hakla Motorway (M-14)
The Rationale Behind the Toll Increase
According to the NHA, the toll hikes are essential for maintaining and expanding the nation’s highway infrastructure. The revenue generated from these tolls will be used to ensure the safety, efficiency, and ongoing development of Pakistan’s critical transportation routes. The NHA has also emphasized that the increased revenue will support future roadwork projects and help manage the country’s expanding transportation needs.
Public Outcry Over the Toll Hike
While the NHA defends these toll increases, the public is raising concerns over the financial burden. With the cost of living already skyrocketing, many commuters are struggling with the additional expense. Businesses, especially those reliant on road transport, are voicing worries over the rising operational costs, which may, in turn, lead to increased product prices and further strain on the economy.
The frequent toll increases are also being seen as a significant strain on the general public, particularly in urban centers where daily commuting is a necessity. The public outcry is growing louder, questioning the timing and fairness of these hikes.
The NHA’s decision to raise toll taxes for the third time in seven months has sparked public criticism due to the financial strain it places on commuters. While the NHA argues that the revenue is vital for the expansion and upkeep of the country’s highways, it remains to be seen how this latest hike will affect the general public and businesses in the long term. Commuters are hopeful that these increases will eventually lead to tangible improvements in the nation’s road infrastructure.
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