ISLAMABAD: New toll rates for motorways and highways have hit commuters hard, putting more pressure on commuters.
Commuters across Pakistan are facing huge costs for road travel as the National Highway Authority has hiked toll rates once again in less than three months. The latest hike has already put a strain on the pockets of everyday commuters, as the cost of using highways and motorways increases.
The toll rates have seen a 50 percent increase depending on the type of vehicle and route. The toll for cars has increased from Rs 60 to Rs 70, while vans and jeeps now pay Rs 100 to Rs 150.
Buses, coaches face an increase from Rs 200 to Rs 250, and tolls for trucks have also increased. Two- and three-axle trucks now pay Rs. 300, while articulated trucks are now charged Rs. 550, an increase of Rs. 50.
The impact extends to highways only. Tolls have also been increased on major motorways like M1 (Islamabad-Peshawar), M3 (Lahore to Abdul Hakim), M5 (Multan-Sukkur), and E35 (Hassan Abdal-Mansehra). The toll for cars travelling on M1 has increased from Rs. 470 to Rs. 550, and M3 now charges Rs. 800, up from Rs. 700. Even the less-travelled E35 route has seen an increase from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300.
Commercial transporters are bearing the brunt of the increase, with tolls now ranging from Rs. 850 to Rs. 5,750 depending on the vehicle and route.
About The Author
