Toll fees hike comes into effect from today at 38 Toll Plazas in Tamil Nadu
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented its annual toll fee revision, leading to an increase in charges at 38 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu.
The new rates, which came into effect at midnight on September 1, 2025, are expected to place an additional financial burden on commuters and commercial vehicle operators.
This is the second phase of a yearly toll fee hike in the state, with the first phase affecting 40 toll plazas in April. According to an NHAI circular, the fee revision is based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and is a standard procedure to ensure the continued maintenance and expansion of national highways. The hike is estimated to be between 5% and 7% at the affected toll gates.
The new rates will impact major routes, including those in districts like Villupuram, Trichy, Madurai, Nellai, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri. For example, at the Vikravandi toll plaza, the monthly pass for cars has increased from Rs. 3,100 to Rs. 3,170, and for buses and trucks, the one-way fee has gone from Rs. 360 to Rs. 370.
The decision has been met with strong criticism from various quarters. Political parties and transport associations have voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that the constant increase in toll fees is an unnecessary burden on the public. They point to the fact that these hikes have a cascading effect on the prices of essential goods, as increased freight costs are passed on to consumers.