Toll hikes across Gujarat ignite public anger

Ahmedabad, Gujarat : In a move that has triggered outrage among commuters and transporters, the Gujarat government has imposed a significant toll hike across several major highways. Despite the initial project costs being fully recovered, toll rates on roads such as Ahmedabad-Maliya, Vadodara-Halol, and Dahej-Bharuch have been raised by ₹5 to ₹25 per trip. Industry experts and transport unions are questioning the legitimacy of this increase, especially given the excess revenues collected over the years.

For daily commuters and logistics operators, the financial burden has risen steeply. On the Dahej-Bharuch route, toll rates for two-axle vehicles have surged from ₹230 to ₹250, while three-axle vehicle fees increased from ₹250 to ₹260. Earthmovers now have to pay ₹400, up from ₹380, and vehicles with more than seven axles must shell out ₹480 instead of ₹460. These hikes are particularly concerning for transporters already grappling with inflation and fuel price fluctuations.

Toll Collection Exceeds Initial Investments

One of the most controversial aspects of this hike is the continuous collection of tolls on roads where the initial investment has long been recovered. The Vadodara-Halol toll road, built at a cost of ₹170.64 crore in 2001, and the Adalaj-Mehsana road, constructed in 2003 for ₹344.25 crore, have together amassed ₹2,928 crore in toll collections. Despite this, an additional ₹1,968 crore is still being claimed as recoverable.

According to RTI data, companies operating these roads have earned ₹1,954 crore in profit and distributed ₹652 crore in dividends to shareholders, yet toll rates have still increased by 14.55% from April 1, 2025. “This is an exploitation of the public. Once the cost is recovered, only 40% of the original toll should be charged for maintenance, as per NHAI’s 2008 notification,” said Mukesh Dave, Executive President of the All Gujarat Truck Transport Association.

Transport Industry Bears the Brunt

The increase in toll rates has placed a heavy financial strain on the transport industry, with trucks now paying an additional ₹800 to ₹900 per trip on National Highways. The Bagodara-Tarapur road and Halol-Shamlaji route have also seen hikes across all vehicle categories.

On the Halol-Shamlaji road, motor-jeep tolls increased from ₹230 to ₹254, while minibus charges rose from ₹410 to ₹445. Bus operators now pay ₹885, up from ₹805, while light commercial vehicles face a similar increase. “These hikes are crippling our business,” said Nimesh Patel, secretary of the Truck Transport Association. “We are forced to pass these costs onto customers, making goods transportation more expensive for everyone.”

Government’s Stake Raises Questions

Adding to the controversy is the Gujarat government’s 16% stake in the company operating the toll roads, raising concerns about whether profit motives are being prioritized over public interest. Despite growing criticism, no relief measures have been announced, and transport unions are now considering protests to demand a rollback of the increased toll rates.

With transport costs surging and public frustration mounting, the government faces increasing pressure to justify its toll policies. Whether authorities will intervene or continue to allow these hikes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Gujarat’s commuters and transporters are bearing the brunt of an escalating financial burden.