The National Highway Authority (NHA) increased on Tuesday the toll tax on key national highways and motorways by up to 30%, effective from October 1, 2024.

The increase will affect routes such as the M1, M4, and M5 motorways, adding to the travel expenses of commuters.

According to the latest notification issued by the NHA, the toll for cars on the M1 Motorway, which connects Islamabad to Peshawar, has been increased to Rs 460 from the previous rate of Rs 350. Similarly, travelers on the M3 Motorway from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem will now pay Rs 650 instead of Rs 500.

The toll tax on the M4 Motorway, which stretches from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad and Multan, has also seen a substantial hike. Car owners will now pay Rs 850, up from Rs 650.

Meanwhile, the toll for cars on the M5 Motorway from Multan to Sukkur has undergone a sharp increase from Rs 900 to Rs 50,000 due to a clerical error in the initial announcement, which the authorities are expected to rectify soon.

These recent adjustments are part of a series of hikes in toll rates across Pakistan's highway network. In August 2024, the NHA had already increased toll tax on the M2 Motorway, which runs between Lahore and Islamabad. The frequent increases have raised concerns among travelers, as the cost of commuting continues to rise.

National Highways

The NHA attributes the toll hikes to increased operational costs and the need for infrastructure maintenance. The move is also believed to be part of a broader effort by the government to address low tax collection from the highway sector, amid the country’s ongoing fiscal challenges.

Travelers are advised to account for higher costs when planning trips on major national routes.