NHAI Increases Toll Charges by 4-5% Across National Highways, Effective from April 1

New Delhi: Commuters traveling on national highways and expressways will now have to pay higher toll charges, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has increased the rates by an average of 4-5% across various highway sections in the country. The revised toll charges went into effect on Tuesday, as confirmed by a senior official from the highways ministry.

This increase is part of NHAI’s annual toll rate revision process, which is linked to changes in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation. Typically, the new rates are implemented every year starting April 1. 

Impact on Commuters

India has around 855 user fee plazas on its national highway network where toll fees are collected under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Of these, approximately 675 are public-funded toll plazas, while around 180 are operated by concessionaires. Key expressways and highways affected by the revised rates include: 

– Delhi-Meerut Expressway

– Eastern Peripheral Expressway

– Delhi-Jaipur Highway

– Mumbai-Pune Expressway 

Commuters using these routes will now experience a marginal increase in their travel costs due to the updated toll fees.

Impact on Logistics and Truck Rentals

According to SP Singh, a fellow at the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), the increase in toll rates will not have a significant impact on truck rentals. He noted that the trucking industry had already adjusted its pricing in anticipation of the toll hike. “Truck rentals across major trunk routes in India have already increased by 2.5-3% in March 2025 due to a 10-15% rise in cargo movement,” Singh stated. 

Conclusion

While the toll fee hike is an annual revision, it is expected to slightly impact expenses for both passenger and commercial vehicles. However, experts believe that the effect on truck rentals will be minimal, as the logistics sector has already accounted for this change in pricing trends.