The country's most expensive toll plaza at Ladowal, Ludhiana, Punjab has become free from 10 am on Sunday (June 16). Farmers are protesting today against the rising rates of toll. On June 10, the BKM Union had issued a warning to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) saying that if the old rates of Ladowal toll plaza were not implemented by Saturday, it would be made completely free on Sunday.
As such, protests are going on at the Ladowal Toll plaza, where the toll collecting staff has been removed from their post. Protesting farmers have taken over the toll booth, and vehicles are reportedly passing through without having to pay any tax.
Farmer leaders issued the ultimatum on social media. Toll rates have been increased for the third time in the year. The state's most expensive road tax is currently being collected at the Ladowal toll plaza, located on NH-44 of the National Highway Authority of India. People are very angry about this expensive toll plaza.
BKU leader, Dilbagh Singh, said Ladhowal toll barrier is the Punjab’s most expensive toll plaza and since it’s inception in 2009, it’s contract is being continuously revised by the government. The plaza might have collected hundreds of crores and still it is adding burden on the people. The farmers demand that the toll plaza should charge the bare minimum fee, saying that the current price of Rs 220 for a single journey should be brought down to Rs 150, and similarly rates should be reduced for the other vehicles and journey too.
Old vs the new rates at the Ladowal Toll Plaza:
- As per the latest revision in toll charges, car owner is shelling out Rs 220 for a single journey (earlier Rs 215) and Rs 330 for return journey (earlier Rs 225). Light vehicle owners are paying Rs 535 for a return journey within a day (earlier Rs 520).
- Bus and truck drivers are now paying Rs 745 for single journey (earlier Rs 730) and Rs 1,120 for return journey (earlier Rs 1,095), while more heavy construction vehicles (up to three axles) are made to pay Rs 815 for single journey (earlier Rs 795) and Rs 1,225 for return journey (earlier Rs 1,190). The seven and more axles vehicles have to pay Rs 2,140 against the earlier amount of Rs 2,085 for return journey. The next toll charges revision as per the NHAI is March 31, 2025