ISLAMABAD, June 8: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has decided to increase toll tax on all national highways for buses and trucks between 25-100 per cent with effect from July 1, 2005 to generate Rs1.15 billion. The new rates have been approved by NHA board of directors, the sources said.

Another Rs1.75 billion would be raised during 2005-06 through bidding of Pattoki-Khairabad road, Karachi-Pattoki road, toll plazas on N-55, N-65, N-70 and N-35, besides establishment of some new toll plaza.

This total amount of Rs2.9 billion would be pledged with banking sector to raise Rs5 billion worth of Road Development Fund to be backed by federal government’s guarantees.

Sources in the NHA told Dawn that toll rate for buses on all toll plazas on national highways, except motorways and Kohat Tunnel would be increased by 60 per cent to Rs40 from existing rate of Rs25.

The rate for 2-axle trucks which are currently charged at Rs25 and Rs30 would now be charged at a uniform rate of Rs50, while 3-axle trucks would be charged at Rs50 instead of Rs40.

Articulated trucks which are currently being charged at Rs50-100 on different routes would be charged at a uniform rate of Rs100.

Similarly, mini-buses, wagons and coasters are currently charged at three different rates of Rs15, 20 and 25 but would now be charged at a uniform rate of Rs20. The toll rates for cars on national highways would remain unchanged at Rs10.

These sources said the NHA is expected to increase its revenue by Rs250 million through open bidding of 10 toll plazas of Pattoki-Khairabad road. It would generate another Rs400 million by auctioning of toll plazas on N-5 between Karachi and Pattoki, followed by Rs200 million on account of bidding of toll plazas on N-55, N-65, N-70 and N-35 etc.

Establishment of additional toll plazas would yield another Rs250 million while Rs650 million would be raised through increase in tariff for trucks to approved limits.