Drivers on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway (NH48) are paying more at the toll booth starting April 1. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised rates at the Khed Shivapur plaza, creating a growing cost difference compared to major expressways.
Toll Hikes Diverge Across Key Routes
Drivers on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway (NH48) face new toll charges at the Khed Shivapur plaza from April 1. Cars, jeeps, and vans now pay ₹125 one-way, up from ₹115-120. These annual increases, usually 2% to 5%, are linked to inflation and road maintenance. Tolls for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are now ₹200, buses and trucks ₹415, with heavier vehicles up to ₹790. This contrasts sharply with the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, where car tolls stay at ₹320 for 2025-26. No rate changes are expected on that expressway until 2030. This stable policy for expressways, alongside potential EV exemptions, shows different strategies for managing traffic and revenue between the two key routes.
Rising Tolls Increase Costs for Businesses
Steady annual toll hikes on routes like NH48 reflect rising inflation and ongoing maintenance needs. Car tolls at Khed Shivapur climbed from around ₹90 (2018-2020) to ₹100 (2021) and ₹115-120 (2024). These regular increases raise operational costs for the logistics sector, vital for the economy. Businesses warn that higher freight costs can eventually lead to higher prices for consumers, adding to inflation. The NHAI collected over ₹72,000 crore in FY25 and aims for continued growth. Though NHAI cut collection costs by nearly 44% in FY24-25, the higher tolls still burden users. The standard 4-5% annual increase, tied to the Wholesale Price Index, funds the highway network but raises travel costs for millions.
Criticism Over Toll Collection Practices
While NHAI states toll adjustments are routine for upkeep, critics argue the growing financial burden on users is excessive. Questions are raised about ongoing tolls, particularly if road maintenance doesn't match charges or if tolls continue after construction costs are paid. The presence of many toll plazas, some too close together, has led to accusations of lax oversight and focus on profits. For logistics firms, tolls are a major cost, just behind fuel, affecting profits and competitiveness. These inflation-linked increases, though small individually, create a large annual expense for businesses and individuals, potentially slowing business and consumer spending.
NHAI Reviews Tolling Policies
NHAI is reviewing its 30-year-old tolling policies, aiming for more realistic pricing based on current traffic, costs, and road conditions. As India's toll network expands, new tech like GPS tolling is expected to make collection smoother. Annual toll rate increases tied to inflation are still anticipated to fund highway development. Even annual FASTag passes for regular users have seen price adjustments for the upcoming year, showing ongoing changes in toll management.