New Year’s gift: NHA increases toll taxes across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has announced an increase in toll taxes on national highways and motorways, effective from January 5, 2025.

The decision comes as part of the government’s plan to boost revenue for infrastructure maintenance and development.

According to the revised rates, cars traveling on national highways will now pay Rs. 60, vans Rs. 100, and buses Rs. 200.

For heavier vehicles like 2 and 3-axle trucks, the toll is set at Rs. 250, while articulated trucks will be charged Rs. 500.

On major motorways, including M-1, M-3, M-4 and M-5, major increase in toll taxes has been made. The toll for cars on the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has risen from Rs. 460 to Rs. 500. Similarly, travelers on the Lahore–Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M-3) will now pay Rs.700 instead of Rs. 650. Pindi Bhattian–Faisalabad–Multan Motorway (M-4) toll for cars increased from Rs 850 to Rs 950. The Multan–Sukkur Motorway (M-5) toll for cars has jumped from Rs. 1,050 to Rs. 1,100.

Commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks, face even steeper hikes. For instance, buses using M-1 will pay Rs 1450, M-3 Rs 2200, M-4 2900 and M-5 Rs. 3,350.

NHA’S JUSTIFICATION

An NHA spokesperson justifying the hike in toll taxes, said, “The additional revenue is crucial for maintaining existing infrastructure and funding new projects. This adjustment aligns with inflation and operational needs.”

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