Gurgaon, July 5, 2024 – Thousands of commuters using the Gurugram-Faridabad Road will face increased toll taxes as authorities have raised the fees for both commercial and private vehicles starting June 29. This hike, varying from 20% to 30%, comes after three years and is in line with the concession agreement, according to Haryana PWD officials.
New Toll Rates
The revised toll rates are as follows:
- Private Cars/Jeep: ₹45 for a single journey, ₹60 for a return journey (previously ₹30 and ₹45 respectively). The monthly pass fee has increased from ₹600 to ₹800.
- Commercial Cars: ₹45 for a single journey, ₹60 for a return journey. The monthly pass fee has increased from ₹900 to ₹1200.
- Buses: ₹170 for a single journey, ₹255 for a return journey (previously ₹150 and ₹225 respectively). The monthly pass fee has increased from ₹4,500 to ₹5,100.
Toll rates for other vehicles, such as multi-axle trucks, tractor trollies, and light commercial vehicles, have also been revised.
Impact on Commuters
An estimated one lakh commuters use the Gurugram-Faridabad expressway daily, with 55,000 paying toll at the Bandhwari toll plaza. The increased rates have sparked discontent among commuters, who argue that the toll hike is unjustified given the current state of the road and facilities.
Vaishali Chandra Rana, a resident along the road, expressed frustration: “The toll rates have been increased, but what about maintaining the road? The green belts on both sides are in bad shape, garbage is strewn up to 3 kilometers from Bandhwari to the toll plaza. The quality of the road has gone down while toll is increasing.”
Dheeraj Tanwar, a resident of Gwal Pahari, added, “There are no streetlights on the road, the green belts are damaged, and wild animals often wander on the road. The authorities must improve the facilities, make the road safer, and ensure FASTags are introduced at the earliest on this road.”
Authorities’ Response
PWD executive engineer Charanjeet Singh stated that the toll hike is as per the concession agreement between the Haryana government and the concessionaire, GF Toll Roads Pvt Ltd. He also mentioned efforts to introduce a FASTag system to streamline toll payments. “The toll has been revised as per the government notification. In order to make it easier for vehicle owners to pay toll, we are working to introduce a FASTag system on this toll plaza, similar to NHAI toll taxes. The proposal is under consideration of the Haryana government, and we are working to get it implemented on priority,” he said.
Conclusion
While the toll hike aims to align with the concession agreement and support road maintenance, the dissatisfaction among commuters highlights the need for improved road conditions and infrastructure. As authorities work on implementing the FASTag system, it remains crucial to address the pressing concerns of the daily commuters to ensure a safer and more efficient travel experience.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Sarhind Times.
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