+
Road travel expenses to increase as toll fees surge by month-end
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Road travel expenses to increase as toll fees surge by month-end

Travelling to or from Chennai by road would become more expensive by the end of the month. This is because the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planned to increase user fees at four toll plazas on the outskirts of the city. The increase was said to range from 5 to 20 per trip.

Additionally, it was mentioned that the cost of travelling to Bengaluru and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu would see an increase of up to 150 from April 1 due to rate hikes at several toll plazas situated on major national highway routes throughout Tamil Nadu.

The adjustment in fees was said to come amid promises made by the DMK in the Lok Sabha election manifesto to eliminate all toll plazas if the INDIA bloc formed a government at the Centre.

The Union road transport ministry had reportedly made two key announcements regarding this issue. Firstly, toll charges would now be based on the distance a vehicle travelled, determined using GPS technology. Secondly, fees would be reduced by 40% at toll plazas where the initial capital investment had been fully recouped.

According to the ministry?s statement, NHAI Chennai Region was expected to lower fees first at the Parandur toll plaza in Chengalpet, as the capital costs for these sites, established in 2005, had long been recovered, as per S Yuvraj of the TN lorry owners association.

Yuvraj criticiSed NHAI, stating that despite collecting substantial revenues, only a small portion had been allocated to maintain highway stretches.

He highlighted the poor condition of the Sriperumbudur-Kancheepuram section of the Chennai-Bengaluru highway, which had been plagued by potholes and craters for several months. He noted that while the road should ideally have been expanded to eight lanes by now, only six-lane expansion efforts were currently underway.

Travelling to or from Chennai by road would become more expensive by the end of the month. This is because the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planned to increase user fees at four toll plazas on the outskirts of the city. The increase was said to range from 5 to 20 per trip. Additionally, it was mentioned that the cost of travelling to Bengaluru and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu would see an increase of up to 150 from April 1 due to rate hikes at several toll plazas situated on major national highway routes throughout Tamil Nadu. The adjustment in fees was said to come amid promises made by the DMK in the Lok Sabha election manifesto to eliminate all toll plazas if the INDIA bloc formed a government at the Centre. The Union road transport ministry had reportedly made two key announcements regarding this issue. Firstly, toll charges would now be based on the distance a vehicle travelled, determined using GPS technology. Secondly, fees would be reduced by 40% at toll plazas where the initial capital investment had been fully recouped. According to the ministry?s statement, NHAI Chennai Region was expected to lower fees first at the Parandur toll plaza in Chengalpet, as the capital costs for these sites, established in 2005, had long been recovered, as per S Yuvraj of the TN lorry owners association. Yuvraj criticiSed NHAI, stating that despite collecting substantial revenues, only a small portion had been allocated to maintain highway stretches. He highlighted the poor condition of the Sriperumbudur-Kancheepuram section of the Chennai-Bengaluru highway, which had been plagued by potholes and craters for several months. He noted that while the road should ideally have been expanded to eight lanes by now, only six-lane expansion efforts were currently underway.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Budget Proposal Aims to Boost Investments

The recent budget proposal has introduced measures designed to promote investments and generate job opportunities across various industries, as reported by the Economic Times. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic activity and strengthen the country's growth trajectory by encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. Key aspects of the proposal include targeted incentives for sectors poised for expansion, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. The government aims to create a more favorable investment climate by offering tax benefits, subsidies, and streamlined reg..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DGTR Proposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Aluminium

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has proposed imposing an anti-dumping duty of up to Rs.577 per tonne on aluminium frames imported from China, as reported by the Economic Times. This move aims to address concerns about unfair trade practices and protect the domestic aluminium industry from the adverse effects of low-cost imports. The proposed anti-dumping duty comes in response to allegations that Chinese aluminium frames are being sold in the Indian market at prices below fair market value. Such practices are deemed harmful to domestic manufacturers, potentially leading to ma..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Financial System Resilient Amidst Challenges

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao has emphasized the robust nature of the Indian financial system despite global economic headwinds, according to Economic Times. Rao?s comments reflect confidence in the stability and resilience of India's financial sector amidst a backdrop of international economic uncertainties and financial volatility. Rao highlighted that India?s financial system is well-equipped to handle external shocks due to its solid regulatory framework and prudent risk management practices. The country?s banking sector has demonstrated resilience throug..

Talk to us?