PHAGWARA: Commuters and residents using the Ladowal Toll Plaza are facing increase in travel expenses from today, as revised toll charges have officially been implemented. The hike, though marginal, is expected to affect daily passengers and transport operators who frequently pass through this key highway point.
Ladhowal Toll Plaza manager Vipin Rai while confirming told The Tribune on Wednesday that the revised rates have been introduced following a notification issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), with officials confirming that the updated toll structure has come into force from April 1. In addition to the rate revision, toll plazas have also transitioned to a cashless system, discontinuing cash payments and mandating digital modes of transaction.
As per the updated charges, cars, jeeps, and vans will now be required to pay Rs 225 for a single journey, up from Rs 220, while the return trip has been increased to Rs 340 from Rs 335. Similarly, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), Light Goods Vehicles (LGV), and minibuses will be charged Rs 365 for a single trip instead of Rs 360, and Rs 550 for a round trip, compared to the earlier Rs 545.
The monthly pass has also seen a slight increase of Rs 10 and will now cost Rs 350. Meanwhile, the annual pass for frequent commuters and commercial vehicles has been revised from Rs 3, 000 to Rs 3, 075, allowing up to 200 trips.
Toll plaza manager Rai stated that the revision in charges is based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which takes into account factors such as road length, infrastructure development including flyovers and underpasses, and the range of facilities available to commuters.
The updated rate chart has been displayed at the toll plaza to inform the public about the new charges.