As of October 1, 2024, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has increased toll taxes on major routes such as the M1, M3, M4, and M5 motorways. For instance, tolls for cars on the M1 from Islamabad to Peshawar now cost Rs 460 (up from Rs 350), and M4 users from Pindi Bhattian to Multan now pay Rs 850, up from Rs 650.
This adjustment addresses increased operational costs and infrastructure maintenance.
Toll Tax Changes
| Motorway/Route | Vehicle Type | Previous Toll (Rs) | New Toll (Rs) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Islamabad to Peshawar | Car | 350 | 460 | 31% |
| Wagon/Hiace | 570 | 740 | 30% | |
| Bus | 1,170 | 1,520 | 30% | |
| M2 Islamabad to Lahore | Car | 830 | 1,080 | 30% |
| Wagon/Hiace | 1,330 | 1,730 | 30% | |
| Bus | 2,700 | 3,510 | 30% | |
| M3 Lahore to Abdul Hakeem | Car | 500 | 650 | 30% |
| Wagon/Hiace | 800 | 1,040 | 30% | |
| Bus | 1,700 | 2,210 | 30% | |
| M4 Pindi Bhattian to Multan | Car | 650 | 850 | 30% |
| Wagon/Hiace | 1,040 | 1,350 | 30% | |
| Bus | 2,200 | 2,860 | 30% | |
| M5 Multan to Sukkur | Car | 900 | 1,170 | 30% |
| Wagon/Hiace | 1,440 | 1,870 | 30% | |
| Bus | 3,020 | 3,920 | 30% |
The toll increase is intended to help cover rising maintenance and operational costs for these critical roadways. The adjustment applies to all categories of vehicles, from private cars to buses, with significant hikes seen across the board.
Why the Increase?
The 30% toll hike is attributed to:
- Inflation and Rising Costs: Increased fuel prices, infrastructure maintenance, and operational costs have made it necessary for the NHA to adjust tolls accordingly.
- Enhanced Services: Funds will be used for improving road quality, safety measures, and overall services on national highways and motorways.
Comparison of Tolls Tax Before and After
| Route | Vehicle Type | Toll (Before 2024) | Toll (After 2024) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Islamabad to Peshawar | Car | Rs 350 | Rs 460 | Rs 110 |
| M2 Islamabad to Lahore | Car | Rs 830 | Rs 1,080 | Rs 250 |
| M5 Multan to Sukkur | Bus | Rs 3,020 | Rs 3,920 | Rs 900 |
Impact on Commuters: Commuters and transportation companies may feel the pinch from this increase. However, NHA has assured the public that the collected funds will be allocated toward better highway services and long-term road improvements.
FAQs
- Why has the toll tax increased by 30%?
- The hike addresses rising operational and infrastructure maintenance costs on national highways and motorways.
- Which motorways are affected?
- Major routes like M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 are affected.
- What are the new toll charges for cars on the M1 Motorway?
- The toll for cars on the M1 has increased from Rs 350 to Rs 460.
- Will there be further increases?
- There is no information about further hikes, but periodic reviews are expected based on economic conditions.
- How will the funds be used?
- The increased revenue will fund road improvements, safety measures, and operational costs.
- Does this affect heavy vehicles like trucks and buses?
- Yes, all categories of vehicles are affected, including trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles.
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