In a move that has stirred fresh waves of frustration among citizens, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has once again raised toll rates — the second time in under three months — with the latest hike coming into effect from April 1. While the government cites maintenance and infrastructure costs as justification, one can’t ignore the heavy toll (pun intended) this decision places on the everyday commuter already grappling with soaring inflation and economic hardship.
New Toll Rates
The revised toll rates mark a jump of 15% to 50%, depending on vehicle type and route. For instance, cars now pay Rs. 70, up from Rs. 60, while vans and jeeps face a steep rise from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150. Buses are now charged Rs. 250 compared to the previous Rs. 200. Trucks haven’t been spared either — 2 & 3 axle trucks now cough up Rs. 300, and articulated trucks are charged Rs. 550, a Rs. 50 increase.
The increase isn’t limited to highways. Toll charges across major motorways — M1, M3, M4, M5, M14, and E35 — have also seen significant jumps. The Islamabad-Peshawar (M1) car toll now stands at Rs. 550, up from Rs. 470 in January. On the M3 (Lahore to Abdul Hakeem), cars will now pay Rs. 800 instead of Rs. 700. The M5 (Multan-Sukkur) has risen from Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 1,200, and even the relatively less-used E35 (Hasan Abdal–Mansehra) saw a hike from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300.
For commercial transporters, the burden is even greater — revised tolls now span from Rs. 850 to Rs. 5,750 depending on vehicle and route, likely causing a ripple effect in logistics and, inevitably, consumer prices.
No Explanation, No Relief
But the most pressing issue here isn’t just the hike itself — it’s the timing and frequency. With inflation hitting double digits and households already tightening their belts, this move seems tone-deaf to the public’s struggles. Why impose back-to-back increases without offering better services, transparency, or at least a rationale the public can understand?
The NHA remains silent on these questions, leaving taxpayers wondering: are they paying for smoother roads or just driving deeper into a pothole of economic despair?
What do you think about the second jump in toll rates in less then three months? Is it justified? Tell us in the comments section.
