The revised toll rates for vehicles passing through National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) Kumbalam toll plaza will take effect from Monday.
“The toll for vehicles using Aroor-Edappally NH 47 Bypass has been revised as per NH Fee Rules, 2008. Till Sunday, the toll was collected as per base value fixed according to 1997 Rules,” sources said.
Vehicle category
“The category of vehicles has been revised from four to six and heavy vehicles will have to pay more toll from Monday since these vehicles are often overloaded and cause more damage to the road surface,” they said.
As per new norms, concession on toll rate will be given to all vehicles registered in Ernakulam district. “Passenger and commercial vehicles owned by people residing within 20 km distance of the toll plaza too can claim concessions,” the sources said.
The new norms permit NHAI to hike toll rate up to 25 per cent, on the basis of fluctuations in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The toll rate will be revised next on March 31, 2016.
Only bridges and structures costing over Rs.10 crore and having length beyond 60 metres have been calculated as capital investment for toll collection as per new norms.
Service roads
On whether NHAI will ensure better upkeep of the NH Bypass and its service roads, officials said patrolling had been intensified to identify and weed out encroachments. “Another drive to clear encroachers from service roads will begin shortly. Steps are also being taken to repair potholed areas before the onset of monsoon,” they said
‘The category of vehicles has been revised from four to six and heavy vehicles will have to pay more toll from Monday.’
