The National Highway Authority (NHA) has implemented a significant increase in toll tax rates for motorways and national highways, effective from April 1, 2025.
This is the second toll hike in less than three months, following an increase on January 5, 2025. The timing of the rise, just before the Eid holidays, is expected to affect thousands of travelers heading to their hometowns for the festivities.
Toll increases across Key Routes
The new toll tax rates span a wide range of vehicles and highways. The revised rates have seen an increase of 15% to 50%, with charges for cars, vans, jeeps, buses, and trucks all rising.
- Cars: The toll for a standard car has increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 70.
- Vans and Jeeps: These will now pay Rs. 150, up from Rs. 100.
- Buses: The toll for buses has been raised from Rs. 200 to Rs. 250.
- Trucks: For 2 & 3 axle trucks, the toll is now Rs. 300, up from Rs. 250. Articulated trucks will now face a toll of Rs. 550, a Rs. 50 increase.
The increases are not limited to national highways, as major motorways including M1, M3, M4, M5, M14, and E35 have also seen substantial hikes.
| Vehicle Type | Old Toll (Rs.) | New Toll (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Car (Standard) | 60 | 70 |
| Vans and Jeeps | 100 | 150 |
| Buses | 200 | 250 |
| 2 & 3 Axle Trucks | 250 | 300 |
| Articulated Trucks | 500 | 550 |
Key Motorway Toll Changes
- M1 (Islamabad-Peshawar): The car toll has increased from Rs. 470 to Rs. 550.
- M3 (Lahore-Abdul Hakim): The car toll has been raised from Rs. 700 to Rs. 800.
- M5 (Multan-Sukkur): The toll for cars has increased from Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 1,200.
- E35 (Hasan Abdal–Mansehra): The toll has risen from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300.
For larger vehicles, including buses and trucks, the tolls vary depending on the route, with fees ranging from Rs. 850 to Rs. 5,750.
Motorway Toll Changes:
| Route | Vehicle Type | Old Toll (Rs.) | New Toll (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 (Islamabad-Peshawar) | Car | 470 | 550 |
| Wagon/12-Seater | 750 | 850 | |
| 13-15 Seaters/Coaster/Minibus | 1,000 | 1,150 | |
| Bus | 1,450 | 1,650 | |
| 2 & 3 Axle Trucks | 1,900 | 2,150 | |
| Articulated Trucks | 2,300 | 2,650 | |
| M3 (Lahore-Abdul Hakim) | Car | 700 | 800 |
| M4 (Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan) | Car | 950 | 1,050 |
| M5 (Multan-Sukkur) | Car | 1,100 | 1,200 |
| M14 (Dera Ismail Khan-Hakla) | Car | 600 | 650 |
| E35 (Hasan Abdal-Mansehra) | Car | 250 | 300 |
Murree Expressway Toll Increase
Travelers heading to the popular hill station of Murree will also see a hike in toll charges. For instance, the toll for cars on the Islamabad-Murree-Kohala Highway (N75) expressway has been fixed at Rs. 200, while buses will pay Rs. 350 and trucks Rs. 400.
M2 Motorway Toll Fee hike makes Lahore-Islamabad Travel costlier
The toll fee for the M2 Lahore-Islamabad Motorway has been increased, with the cost for a standard vehicle now set at Rs. 1,510, up from Rs. 1,210.
A spokesperson from the Motorway Authority confirmed that this increase is part of the scheduled 10% annual rise in toll fees, which applies across all interchanges on the M2 Motorway.
What’s the reason behind the Hike?
While the NHA has not provided a detailed explanation for the increase, the agency has cited rising road maintenance and infrastructure costs as the primary factors. The regular adjustments to toll fees are meant to ensure the continued upkeep of Pakistan’s expansive motorway and highway network.
However, the frequent hikes in toll charges have drawn frustration from commuters, especially as they come amid mounting inflationary pressures on the public. Many see the toll increases as an additional financial burden during an already challenging economic climate.
Impact on Commercial Transport and Daily Commuters
The revised toll rates are expected to affect not only individual commuters but also commercial transporters. The increased fees for larger vehicles, particularly trucks, could have a ripple effect on logistics costs, leading to higher prices for goods transported across the country.
With toll rates now reaching up to Rs. 5,750 for articulated trucks, transport operators are likely to face increased operational costs, which may, in turn, affect consumer prices.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The toll increases have sparked concern among the public, particularly as they come at a time when many households are already feeling the strain of inflation. “The constant toll hikes are putting an added burden on an already struggling population,” said one commuter, who expressed frustration with the repeated hikes.
The timing of the latest hike, just before the Eid holidays when many families travel, has also drawn criticism. Many see the move as tone-deaf, considering the financial struggles faced by the average Pakistani household.