Increased Toll Rates Implemented on Kalka-Shimla National Highway 5

Shimla, June 3. The journey on National Highway 5 between Kalka and Shimla has become more expensive. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued directives to the collection company at Sanwara Toll Plaza. The company has started charging increased toll fees from midnight on June 3. NHAI released the notification on June 2, announcing an increase in toll fees for commercial vehicles by 5 to 10 rupees.

However, this time, drivers of cars, jeeps, vans, and light motor vehicles have been given relief. Initially, this notification was to be implemented from April 1, but NHAI postponed it citing the Model Code of Conduct. Usually, toll plaza fees are increased in April every year. Due to the Model Code of Conduct, the new rates are now being implemented from June. According to the notification, vehicles registered within a 20-kilometer radius will now also have to pay 340 rupees. Following the notification, the company has updated its systems.

New Toll Rates:

– One way / Both ways
– Car, Jeep, Van, LMV: 70 / 105
– Light Commercial Vehicle and others: 115 / 170
– Bus and Truck (Two Axle): 240 / 360
– Three Axle Commercial Vehicle: 260 / 390
– HCM, EMC, MAV: 375 / 565
– Oversize Vehicle: 455 / 685

A new company has taken over toll collection at Sanwara Toll Plaza. Recently, Ashmi Road Carrier Private Limited assumed the responsibilities, replacing the previous toll collector, Riddhi-Siddhi Associates. Ashmi’s toll manager, Amit, stated that their primary goal is to provide employment to local people. He assured that there would be no issues at the toll plaza.

Increased Toll Rates at Sanwara Toll Plaza

Anand Dahiya, Project Director of NHAI Shimla, confirmed that the toll rates at Sanwara Toll Plaza have been increased, and notifications have been issued accordingly. The collection company has been instructed to implement the new rates immediately.

This toll increase affects various categories of vehicles, with commercial vehicles seeing a hike of 5 to 10 rupees. Vehicles registered within a 20-kilometer radius are also subject to the new fee of 340 rupees. The new rates are now in effect following the system updates by the toll collection company.

Overall, while commercial vehicle operators will face higher toll charges, drivers of personal vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans will experience some relief as the increase does not apply to them. The new management at the Sanwara Toll Plaza, Ashmi Road Carrier Private Limited, aims to ensure smooth operations and local employment opportunities.