Toll rates increased at 8 major plazas in Punjab and Haryana from today; check new rates here

PTC Web Desk: If you're planning a road trip through Punjab or nearby Haryana, be ready to spend a little extra at the toll booth. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has hiked toll charges at eight major plazas across the two states and the new rates kick in from today, July 14.

Commuters passing through Sangrur, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Bathinda, Abohar, and Maur are the ones who'll feel the pinch. The good news, though, is that the hike isn't drastic as  most drivers will end up paying just Rs 5 to Rs 10 more per trip.

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Why the toll hike?

NHAI says this isn't a fresh price increase as such; it's more of a correction. The NHAI has brought back a Wholesale Price Index (WPI) linking factor of 1.641, which is used to calculate toll fees.

An NHAI official explained it simply: rates had been lowered in some places last year, and this update just restores them to where they were meant to be under the revised framework. "In some cases, the increase is minimal," the official added.

Interestingly, this isn't limited to just eight plazas. The NHAI has actually updated rates at more than 50 toll plazas across the region, though the changes at most of them are barely noticeable.

New toll rates: Plaza-wise breakdown

Ghulal Toll Plaza (Chandigarh-Kharar-Ludhiana, NH-5)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 115 (single) | Rs 170 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 390 (single) | Rs 580 (return)

Kot Karor Toll Plaza (Amritsar-Tarn Taran-Harike-Faridkot-Bathinda, NH-15)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 50 (single) | Rs 70 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 165 (single) | Rs 250 (return)

Kala Tibba Toll Plaza (Abohar-Sito-Ginno-Dabwali)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 50 (single) | Rs 80 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 175 (single) | Rs 265 (return)

Shekhpura Toll Plaza (Maur-Romana Mandi, NH-254)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 55 (single) | Rs 85 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 185 (single) | Rs 280 (return)

Lehra Bega Toll Plaza (Tapa-Bathinda, NH-7)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 80 (single) | Rs 120 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 270 (single) | Rs 400 (return)

Khuian Sarvar Toll Plaza (Malout-Abohar Bypass-Sadhuwali, NH-7)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 105 (single) | Rs 155 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 350 (single) | Rs 520 (return)

Kalajhar Toll Plaza (Patiala Bypass, NH-64)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 115 (single) | Rs 175 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 390 (single) | Rs 585 (return)

Paind Toll Plaza (Sangrur-Dogal Kalan, NH-52)

Cars/LMVs: Rs 95 (single) | Rs 145 (return)

Buses/Trucks: Rs 325 (single) | Rs 485 (return)

What this means for you

If you regularly commute on these highway stretches, factor in a slightly higher travel budget from today. The increase may seem small on a single trip, but for daily commuters and transport operators, it can add up over a month.

Also Read | Toll rates increased at 8 major plazas in Punjab and Haryana from today; check new rates here