As the new financial year approaches, travelers using NH-9, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway will face increased toll fees. Effective from midnight on March 31, 2025, the updated toll rates will apply to all vehicle types, as confirmed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This adjustment follows a similar toll increase that occurred in June 2024.

The toll hikes will affect various routes, impacting both daily commuters and transport services. Here’s a summary of the new toll rates:

• Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut (Car/Jeep): The one-way toll rises from Rs 165 to Rs 170.

• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and Buses: The updated one-way toll is now Rs 275.

• Trucks: The new one-way toll is set at Rs 580.

At the Chhijarsi toll plaza on NH-9:

• Cars/Jeeps: Increased from Rs 170 to Rs 175.

• LCVs: The new toll is Rs 280.

• Buses and Trucks: Now increased to Rs 590.

All vehicle categories utilizing the Eastern Peripheral Expressway will see increased toll charges. This means that anyone traveling on major expressways and highways around Delhi will need to adjust their budgets for these additional toll expenses.

The NHAI has indicated that vehicles with more than seven axles will face the steepest toll increases, with rates climbing by up to Rs 590. Other vehicle categories are also experiencing notable hikes.

For example, the toll for cars and jeeps at the Chhijarsi toll plaza has increased by Rs 5. Additionally, travelers from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut will now pay Rs 170 for a one-way trip, up from Rs 165. The toll from Ghaziabad to Meerut has also risen to Rs 75, previously Rs 70.

Here’s a look at the new toll charges for one-way and round-trip journeys:

• Indirapuram to Meerut: Rs 115 (one-way), Rs 175 (round-trip)

• Dundahaeda to Meerut: Rs 90 (one-way), Rs 140 (round-trip)

• Dasna to Meerut: Rs 75 (one-way), Rs 115 (round-trip)

• Dasna to Meerut (LCVs): Rs 125 (one-way), Rs 185 (round-trip)

• Rasulpur Sikrod to Meerut: Rs 55 (one-way), Rs 85 (round-trip)

A large volume of vehicles traverse these expressways daily, making these toll increases a significant issue for regular commuters, logistics firms, and transport operators. The NH-9 toll plaza at Chhijarsi in Hapur district serves as a vital junction for vehicles heading to various destinations including Lucknow, Moradabad, Bareilly, Rampur, Hapur, and Gajraula from Ghaziabad. Furthermore, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway is a primary route for those traveling to Meerut and Dehradun from Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.

With these new toll rates set to take effect, commuters should prepare their budgets to accommodate the increased costs. If you frequently use these highways, be ready to pay more starting April 1, 2025.