Burden on Drivers Soars: Punjab’s Toll Plaza Rates Jump by 5%, Now Up to Rs 2215

Ludhiana (The Uttam Hindu): Toll Rates Set to Increase Again at Ladowal Toll Plaza - Drivers Fuming!

If you're a regular driver passing through the Ladowal Toll Plaza, brace yourself—toll rates are going up yet again. Starting at midnight on March 31, rates will be hiked by up to 5%. This marks the second toll increase in the same year, and people are absolutely furious. Many claim that they are now spending more money on tolls than on their actual vehicles.

The contract for the toll plaza was handed over to Ranchhod Infra Developer Private Limited in December 2024, taking over from Sahakar Global Limited. Following the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) orders, the company has raised the rates, set to kick in from April 1.

Company manager Vipin Kumar defended the hike, explaining that it was mandated by the NHAI and that he was unaware of any prior rate increases since the company only took over in December.

What’s Changing?

Here’s a breakdown of the new toll rates:

- For cars: One-way toll will increase from Rs 220 to Rs 230, and round-trip charges will go up from Rs 330 to Rs 345.

- Light commercial vehicles: One-way toll jumps from Rs 355 to Rs 370, and the round-trip fare rises from Rs 535 to Rs 555.

- Buses & trucks: One-way toll increases from Rs 745 to Rs 775, and round-trip fares will now cost Rs 1160, up from Rs 1120.

- Three-axle commercial vehicles: One-way toll climbs from Rs 815 to Rs 845, and round-trip fare will rise from Rs 1225 to Rs 1265.

- Heavy construction machines & multi-axle vehicles: One-way toll rises from Rs 1170 to Rs 1215, and round-trip toll will increase from Rs 1755 to Rs 1820.

- Oversize vehicles: One-way toll goes up from Rs 1425 to Rs 1475, and round-trip fare increases from Rs 2140 to Rs 2215.

The toll rate hikes are causing a lot of frustration among commuters who feel the burden every time they pass through the toll plaza. With prices going up across the board, drivers are calling for more transparency and less pressure on their wallets. Will this continue? Only time will tell, but for now, it looks like Ladowal’s toll is going to keep hitting drivers' pockets harder than ever.