Chandigarh/Solan: A road trip to popular Himachali getaways like Shimla, Kasauli, and Chail has just become more expensive. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised the toll rates at the Sanwara Toll Plaza in Solan district on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5.

The new rates came into effect from Saturday midnight, significantly impacting the travel budget for tourists and regular commuters from the tricity area.

Steep Hike for Personal Vehicles

The revision has hit personal vehicle owners the hardest. According to the new fee structure:

• One-Way Trip (Car/Jeep/Van): The toll has increased to ₹110, up from the earlier ₹70.
• Return Journey (within 24 hours): Commuters will now have to pay ₹165.
• Monthly Pass: For frequent travelers, a monthly pass valid for 50 trips is now priced at ₹3,675.

Commercial and Heavy Vehicle Rates

The hike extends to commercial transport as well, which may lead to an increase in bus fares and freight charges.

• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) & Minibuses: ₹180 for a one-way trip and ₹265 for a return journey.
• Buses and Trucks (Two-Axle): The one-way toll is fixed at ₹375, while a return journey costs ₹560.
• Multi-Axle Vehicles (4-6 Axles): Heavy machinery and large trucks will be charged ₹585 for a single trip.

Reason Behind the Revision

The NHAI has justified the sharp increase by citing the completion of major infrastructure projects on the highway.

Anand Dhaiya, Project Director of the Kalka-Shimla National Highway, stated, “We increased the toll fares keeping in view the completion of four-lane projects to a large extent between Parwanoo and Kaithlighat.”

He explained that the Sanwara toll plaza covers an approximate stretch of 62 km between Parwanoo and Kaithlighat. While acknowledging that certain sections near Datyar, Kandaghat, and Kaithlighat remain single-lane, officials assured that these are slated for upgrades shortly.

Impact on Locals

To mitigate the impact on residents living in the vicinity of the toll plaza, the NHAI has maintained concessional rates for district-registered commercial vehicles:

• Cars/Jeeps: ₹55 per trip.
• LCVs: ₹90 per trip.
• Buses/Trucks: ₹185 per trip.

With the winter tourist season approaching, this hike adds another layer of expense for holidaymakers heading to the hills.