In a significant development for commuters across Faridabad, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, the anticipated increase in toll rates from April 1 on major expressways such as the Delhi-Agra Highway, DND-KMP Expressway, and KGP-KMP Expressway did not materialize.
Drivers were charged the same toll rates on Monday that were implemented on April 1 of the previous year, providing a sigh of relief to thousands of vehicle owners.
Decision to Maintain Rates:
The decision to keep the toll rates unchanged was communicated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to toll plaza managers, citing directives from NHAI management. As a result, any hike in toll rates has been postponed until further orders are issued.
Context of the Decision:
This move comes in the backdrop of the NHAI retracting increased toll charges on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and the Gurugram-Sohna Highway. Following the receipt of orders, toll companies did not collect the heightened charges on Monday.
The decision to delay the 5% increase in toll rates, originally scheduled to be effective from the night of March 31, has been influenced by the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to avoid any immediate financial burden on commuters.
Impact on Commuters:
The absence of a toll rate hike is expected to benefit thousands of drivers who utilize these key highways for their daily commutes and long-distance travel. By maintaining the rates, the NHAI has effectively provided a temporary relief to the public, especially considering the economic implications of such increases.
inShort Guru:
The decision to hold off on increasing toll rates on some of the most critical expressways in the region demonstrates a responsive approach by the NHAI towards public sentiment and current events.
Commuters on the Delhi-Agra Highway, DND-KMP Expressway, and KGP-KMP Expressway can continue their journeys without the added concern of higher toll charges, at least for the time being.