Across Tamil Nadu, toll fee has been increased - Vehicle users feel the burden more now

For those vehicle users who have been using the toll gates regularly in TN, here comes an important piece of news!!

At the 24 toll gates on the National Highways or NH in TN, vehicle user toll fee has been increased by 3% to 5% now. It is worthy to note that the toll fee has been increased by Rs 5 to Rs 15 for all categories of vehicles.

Mr. Pawan Kumar, regional officer, Chennai, NHAI expressed his views about the hike in the toll fee rates. He explained that the fee hike has come into effect annually according to the concessionaire agreement. He added that the routine process has nothing to do with the model code of conduct.

As per the order from the HC of Madras, just 50% of the user fee would be collected at the Nemili (Sriperumbudur) and at Chennasamudram (Wallajah) toll gates on the Maduravoyal- Wallajah stretch of NH. It is clear that the hike in the toll fee was based on the wholesale price index in accordance with the provisions of National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008. Truth is that NHAI has set up 48 toll gates in Tamil Nadu and the user fee is revised in 24 toll gates every April 1.On September 1, the rest of the toll gates undergo revision.

The burden on the vehicle users would be more now and this was according to the motorists. A regular commuter mentioned that the motorists were forced to keep Rs 200 to Rs 250 as minimum balance ever since fastag were made mandatory from 16th February 2021. He added that only then the user fee gets deducted at all the toll gates without any issue. Many regular commuters now want the Centre to stop annual fee hikes at the toll gates.