Road travel expenses to increase as toll fees surge by month-end
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Road travel expenses to increase as toll fees surge by month-end

Travelling to or from Chennai by road would become more expensive by the end of the month. This is because the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planned to increase user fees at four toll plazas on the outskirts of the city. The increase was said to range from 5 to 20 per trip.

Additionally, it was mentioned that the cost of travelling to Bengaluru and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu would see an increase of up to 150 from April 1 due to rate hikes at several toll plazas situated on major national highway routes throughout Tamil Nadu.

The adjustment in fees was said to come amid promises made by the DMK in the Lok Sabha election manifesto to eliminate all toll plazas if the INDIA bloc formed a government at the Centre.

The Union road transport ministry had reportedly made two key announcements regarding this issue. Firstly, toll charges would now be based on the distance a vehicle travelled, determined using GPS technology. Secondly, fees would be reduced by 40% at toll plazas where the initial capital investment had been fully recouped.

According to the ministry?s statement, NHAI Chennai Region was expected to lower fees first at the Parandur toll plaza in Chengalpet, as the capital costs for these sites, established in 2005, had long been recovered, as per S Yuvraj of the TN lorry owners association.

Yuvraj criticiSed NHAI, stating that despite collecting substantial revenues, only a small portion had been allocated to maintain highway stretches.

He highlighted the poor condition of the Sriperumbudur-Kancheepuram section of the Chennai-Bengaluru highway, which had been plagued by potholes and craters for several months. He noted that while the road should ideally have been expanded to eight lanes by now, only six-lane expansion efforts were currently underway.

Travelling to or from Chennai by road would become more expensive by the end of the month. This is because the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planned to increase user fees at four toll plazas on the outskirts of the city. The increase was said to range from 5 to 20 per trip. Additionally, it was mentioned that the cost of travelling to Bengaluru and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu would see an increase of up to 150 from April 1 due to rate hikes at several toll plazas situated on major national highway routes throughout Tamil Nadu. The adjustment in fees was said to come amid promises made by the DMK in the Lok Sabha election manifesto to eliminate all toll plazas if the INDIA bloc formed a government at the Centre. The Union road transport ministry had reportedly made two key announcements regarding this issue. Firstly, toll charges would now be based on the distance a vehicle travelled, determined using GPS technology. Secondly, fees would be reduced by 40% at toll plazas where the initial capital investment had been fully recouped. According to the ministry?s statement, NHAI Chennai Region was expected to lower fees first at the Parandur toll plaza in Chengalpet, as the capital costs for these sites, established in 2005, had long been recovered, as per S Yuvraj of the TN lorry owners association. Yuvraj criticiSed NHAI, stating that despite collecting substantial revenues, only a small portion had been allocated to maintain highway stretches. He highlighted the poor condition of the Sriperumbudur-Kancheepuram section of the Chennai-Bengaluru highway, which had been plagued by potholes and craters for several months. He noted that while the road should ideally have been expanded to eight lanes by now, only six-lane expansion efforts were currently underway.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Our urban initiatives set a benchmark for projects across India

The Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation (NSSCDCL) has bagged an excellence award for being a leader in creating healthy streets in Indian cities. Soumya Sharma Chandak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), tells R SRINIVASAN what led to this achievement and elaborates upon other successes and plans. Excerpts from the conversation:What key factors contributed to NSSCDCL winning the excellence award for creating healthy streets in India?We won this award for our efforts to suggest juncti..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Construction Sector Results

The Indian construction sector demonstrated both growth opportunities and notable challenges in the first half of FY2024-25, driven by a mix of economic, operational and policy factors. The sector’s total consolidated operating revenue across all segments (Ultra Large, Large, Medium, and small construction companies) reached approximately Rs.70,871 crore in H1 FY25, compared to Rs.67,126 crore in H1 FY24, reflecting a year-on-year growth of about 5.6 per cent. When including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the largest player in  the sector,..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India must focus on building resilient road infrastructure

Vadodara-based firm Zydex Industries has developed a silane nanotechnology-based product for road construction that can resist cracking under heavy traffic loads and cyclic weather. The company is using nano-polymer and silane to make roads free of potholes and cracks, thanks to their anti-strip property and enhanced resistance to moisture damage. The company has also developed a technology to make aggregates waterproof, thus forming a skin-like layer that is water-resistant and prevents the formation of potholes. Himanshu Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer, Zydex Industries, speaks about g..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000