Shell out more for traveling on highways: NHAI hikes toll fee in Andhra
The fee will be increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10 for cars and jeeps, Rs 15 to Rs 25 for buses and lorries, Rs 40 to Rs 50 for heavy vehicles.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 31 March 2022 5:19 AM GMT
Andhra Pradesh: Long journeys on the National Highway will now be costlier. National Highway Authority has decided to hike toll fee from April 1. The fee will be increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10 for cars and jeeps, Rs 15 to Rs 25 for buses and lorries, Rs 40 to Rs 50 for heavy vehicles. There will be an increase in single and double trips and monthly passes also. The hike is based on the wholesale price index under the provisions of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
There are around 57 toll plazas on all National Highways in Andhra Pradesh. On average, these toll plazas generate revenue of around Rs 6.6 crore per day. The common man will have to share the extra burden. For example, traveling from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad has around ten toll plazas charging Rs 850 for a single trip. The fee will now increase from April 1.
Only one toll plaza within 60 km
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced the closure of toll gates within 60 km of national highways. The policy is likely to be implemented in the next three months. An NHAI official said in AP, there are 57 toll plazas, of which 15 are within less than a 60 km radius.
The longest stretch of the Kolkata-Chennai National Highway runs along the east coast of India through West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu with a distance of 1,764 km. Of which, 1,024.12 km fall in Andhra Pradesh with 16 toll plazas starting from Bellupadu in Srikakulam district to Sullurpeta in Nellore district.
A toll gate between Madapam and Chilakapalem is at 30.4 km. Next toll gate at Nathavalasa is 40 km from the Chilakapalem. Another toll plaza from Krishnavaram to Eethakota is more than 125 kilometers.
The toll plaza between Eethakota and Unguturu is 56 km. Another toll plaza between Kalaparru and Pottipadu is within 22.8 km.
"We have identified that Chilakapalem toll plaza can be closed. So far, proposals have been sent to close a few more toll plazas in AP. Officials are yet to decide whether the toll plazas within 60 km will be included in the existing ones or closed", said Project director National National Highway, Visakhapatnam Siva Shankar.
