In a surprising move, the National Highways Authority (NHA) increased toll taxes on various motorways and highways in Pakistan on January 5, 2025, without any prior notice. The hike, which marks the third toll tax increase in just seven months, has left commuters frustrated and concerned about the rising cost of travel.
New toll rates are as follows:
- M-1 (Islamabad-Peshawar):
- Cars: Rs. 500
- Wagons: Rs. 750
- Buses: Rs. 1,450
- Trucks: Rs. 2,300
- National Highways:
- Cars: Rs. 60
- Wagons: Rs. 100
- Buses: Rs. 200
- M-3 (Lahore-Abdul Hakeem):
- Cars: Rs. 700
- M-4 (Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan):
- Cars: Rs. 950
- M-5 (Sukkur-Multan):
- Cars: Rs. 1,100
- M-14 (Dera Ismail Khan-Hakla):
- Cars: Rs. 600
The NHA has justified the toll increases by citing several factors, including increased operational costs, the need for infrastructure maintenance, and the government’s ongoing efforts to address low tax collection from the highway sector.
According to an earlier announcement by the NHA, the revised rates took effect on January 5, 2025. The hike is aimed at helping the NHA achieve its revenue target of Rs102 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, up from Rs64 billion collected during 2023-24.
However, the frequent toll hikes have raised concerns among travelers, as the cost of commuting continues to soar, placing additional financial burdens on daily commuters and freight transporters alike.
Long queues were observed on the Lyari Expressway during morning office hours, as frustrated travelers debated the new rates with NHA staff at toll booths. Many commuters expressed their dissatisfaction, questioning the timing of the hikes and the lack of prior notice, further intensifying the frustration.
Sources in the NHA say that toll tax rates will now be revised every three months under the federal government’s new policy to generate additional revenue from highway and motorway users.
Local business associations and civil society organizations have criticized the federal government’s revised toll tax policy, urging authorities to reconsider. Previously, toll tax revisions occurred after many years, making this frequent adjustment particularly contentious.