NH toll plazas in State hike rates

September 2, 2014

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The next time you travel to Puducherry via Tindivanam or to Tada falls and Vellore, you will have to pay a higher toll.

The fares at the Tindivanam and Karanodai toll plazas have been hiked from September 1, based on the increase in the wholesale price index (WPI), an index that measures and tracks the prices of wholesale goods. It is also a measure of inflation. A total of 22 plazas under the control of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the State have increased their rates by 5.98 per cent.

V. Chinna Reddy, Chief General Manager (Technical), NHAI, said that in 2012-13, the WPI was 167.62 and in 2013-14 it was 177.64. “This is an increase of 5.98 per cent, which is reflected in the rates. The increase is done every year so as not to put too much of a burden on motorists,” he said. At the Tindivanam plaza, motorists will have to pay Rs. 39, LCVs Rs. 68 and trucks and buses Rs. 137 for one-way travel. Similarly, for those using the Karanodai plaza, cars will have to pay Rs. 44, LCVs Rs. 77 and trucks and buses Rs. 154. P. Murugesan, a cab driver from Nesapakkam, who travels often to Puducherry and Tiruchi, said the hike was not justified as vehicle owners had already been spending quite a bit on fuel. “Some middle and lower-middle class customers grumble when it comes to paying toll rates. They say as it is they have to shell out a lot for the travel. Very few customers don’t mind paying as the road is good,” he said. Though the distances between toll plazas range from 50 to 60 km, the rates are very different. “Uniform rates would be helpful,” he added.

Source:The Hindu