In a recent update that affects daily commuters and travelers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an increase in toll charges on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Starting from April 1st, individuals driving four-wheeler private vehicles will face a hike in toll charges across various toll plazas on this route.
Previously, the toll for traveling from Delhi to Meerut at the Chijarsi (Pilkhua) toll plaza was set at INR 165, which will now be increased to INR 170. Similarly, for those traveling from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut, the toll at the Kashi (Partapur) toll plaza has been revised from INR 160 to INR 165. Monthly passes, which were earlier available at Chijarsi toll plaza for INR 330, will also see a rise in price to INR 340.
This increment, as explained by officials associated with the NHAI, is up to 5% and varies across different expressways and national highways. The adjustment in toll rates is part of a broader update that includes various highways connecting major cities such as Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Ambala, and Delhi-Rohtak, alongside the Delhi-Meerut and Eastern Peripheral Expressways.
| Location | Old Toll Rate (INR) | New Toll Rate (INR) | Increase (INR) | Effective From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chijarsi (Pilkhua) Toll Plaza | 165 | 170 | 5 | April 1 |
| Kashi (Partapur) Toll Plaza | 160 | 165 | 5 | April 1 |
| Chijarsi Toll Plaza Monthly Pass | 330 | 340 | 10 | April 1 |
The revised toll rates extend beyond private vehicles to include commercial vehicles as well. For instance, commercial vehicles registered in Hapur will now be charged INR 170 for a single journey and INR 340 for a monthly pass at the Chijarsi toll plaza. Similarly, toll rates for heavy commercial vehicles across different categories have been adjusted to reflect this increase.
It’s important for travelers to note that the toll plazas located on national highways within a 20-kilometer radius offer monthly passes, specifically aimed at residents in these areas for private vehicle categories. However, the recent hike also affects the monthly pass rates, adding an additional cost for regular commuters.
Furthermore, the NHAI and the Haryana Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) have also announced toll rate increases at several tolls within the Gurugram region, effective from April 1st. This includes tolls on the Gurugram-Sohna Road at Ghamroj toll plaza and the Delhi-Jaipur highway at Kherki Daula toll plaza. The final rates for toll charges on the MP Expressway are to be decided by March 29th.
This increase in toll rates is part of the ongoing efforts to manage and maintain the efficiency of expressways and national highways across the country, ensuring safer and smoother travel for commuters. However, it’s clear that this hike will impact the cost of travel for both private and commercial vehicle owners, making journeys slightly more expensive than before.