The National Highway Authority (NHA) announced a toll tax increase of up to 30% on major national highways and motorways, effective October 1, 2024.
This adjustment will impact the M1, M4, and M5 motorways, escalating commuter travel costs.
The latest NHA notification detailed new rates; for instance, the toll on the M1 Motorway linking Islamabad to Peshawar is now Rs 460, up from Rs 350. Likewise, the charge on the M3 Motorway from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem has risen to Rs 650 from Rs 500.
The M4 Motorway’s car toll, which connects Pindi Bhattian with Faisalabad and Multan, has increased to Rs 850 from Rs 650.
A notable mistake occurred with the M5 Motorway toll from Multan to Sukkur, mistakenly set at Rs 50,000 due to a clerical error, up from Rs 900. Corrections are expected soon.
These hikes are part of ongoing increases across Pakistan’s highway network, including a prior rise in August 2024 on the M2 Motorway between Lahore and Islamabad. Such frequent hikes are stirring concerns among travellers about the growing commuting cost.
The NHA justifies these increases necessary to cover rising operational costs and maintain infrastructure. These measures also aim to boost tax revenues from the highway sector, addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges.
