NHA Implements Third Toll Tax Hike in Seven Months, Straining Commuters

The National Highways Authority (NHA) has announced a significant increase in toll taxes on motorways and highways for the third time in just seven months. Effective from January 5, 2025, these hikes aim to meet revenue targets but are causing considerable financial strain on commuters and businesses reliant on these routes.

Key Routes and Revised Toll Rates

The latest toll increases affect several major motorways and highways across the country, including:

• Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M1):
• Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M3):
• Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M4):
• Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5):
• D I Khan-Hakla Motorway (M14):

On national highways, toll tax increases include:

• Cars: Rs. 60 (up from Rs. 50)
• Wagons: Rs. 100
• Buses: Rs. 200 (up from Rs. 170)
• 2-3 Axle Trucks: Rs. 250
• Articulated Trucks: Rs. 500 (up from Rs. 460)

Impact on Commuters and Businesses

This third toll hike within seven months has more than doubled the rates in some cases, significantly affecting daily commuters and transport-dependent industries. Routes such as the Kohat Tunnel (N55), Islamabad-Murree-Kohala Highway (N75), and Mianwali Toll Plaza (N135) have also seen steep increases, further burdening travelers.

Broader Economic Implications

The frequent toll hikes are likely to impact the cost of goods transportation, potentially leading to inflationary pressures as businesses pass on the increased costs to consumers. Small businesses and individual commuters, especially those dependent on long-distance travel, are expected to feel the brunt of these rising charges.

Questions Raised on Policy Consistency

While the NHA’s need to meet revenue targets is understandable, the frequency and scale of these toll increases raise questions about their long-term sustainability and the potential negative effects on economic growth. Transparency and strategic planning are critical to balance revenue generation with public affordability.

Call for Dialogue and Solutions

Stakeholders, including transport associations, businesses, and commuters, are calling for the government to reassess the toll tax policy. Collaborative discussions could help design a fair framework that ensures infrastructure funding without overburdening the population.

The toll tax hikes underscore the pressing need for balanced policies that address both revenue requirements and public affordability. What’s your take on this development? Share your thoughts in the comments!