As Nashrri Tunnel toll tax is doubled, here are new transportation costs on NH44

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Ziraat Times
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SRINAGAR, Dec 27: As the National Highways Authority of India has introduced new toll rates at the Nashri Tunnel toll post on Srinagar-Jammu highway, the cost of travel for trucks, public transport and car owners is likely to go up.

According to the official notification received by Ziraat Times, here are the new rates on various categories of vehicles, taking effect from December 23, 2023:

Vehicle Type Single Journey (Through FASTag) Return Journey (Through FASTag) Monthly Pass (50 Journey) Commercial Vehicles Registered Within the District (Excluding Vehicles Plying Under National Permit)
Car, Jeep, Van or LMV Rs 160 Rs 240 Rs 5315 Rs 80
LCV, LGV or Mini bus Rs 260 Rs 385 Rs 8585 Rs 130
Bus or Truck (2 axle) Rs 540 Rs 810 Rs 17990 Rs 270
Three Axle Commercial Vehicle Rs 590 Rs 885 Rs 19625 Rs 295
HCM or EME or MAV (Four to Six axle) Rs 845 Rs 1270 Rs 28215 Rs 425
Oversized vehicles (Seven or more axles) Rs 1030 Rs 1545 Rs 34350 Rs 515

How business, trade and industry see the  hike?

The toll increase will raise the cost of transporting goods through the tunnel, impacting businesses that rely on road transportation. This could lead to higher prices for consumers as businesses pass on the increased costs, said Sumit Kumar, a trader who supplies several commodities to Kashmir region.

Such a hike is likely to result in higher cost of goods in Kashmir province in the months to come. The cost of Kashmir apples reaching various destinations in the country is also likely to go up significantly with the introduction of the new toll rates.

Similarly, cost of public transport and private travel is likely to go up on the highway.

An NHAI official told Ziraat Times that  increasing revenue Is necessary to bear the cost of infrastructure development on the highway and ensure adequate resources for maintenance.

Meanwhile, Apni party leader Altaf Bukhari strongly opposed the doubling of the toll tax on the Nashri tunnel.
The decision is poorly timed due to the “financial stress and economic crisis” people are facing. This implies that he thinks the additional financial burden of doubled tolls is insensitive to the current economic situation, he said.
He also expressed concern for “vehicle drivers plying along the important thoroughfare,” suggesting that he believes the toll increase will disproportionately harm those who rely on the tunnel for daily commutes or work.
He also called for the decision to be “revisited at an earliest” and urged  intervention from higher authorities, indicating a desire for immediate action to reverse the toll increase.

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