Imagine you’re planning a road trip or your daily commute across Pakistan’s highways or motorways, and bam—another toll tax hike hits. Yep, the National Highway Authority (NHA) just dropped the news: toll rates are going up again, effective April 1, 2025.
This is the second increase in 2025 alone, and it’s got everyone from casual drivers to truckers buzzing. What’s behind it? How much more will you pay? Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over chai—human, relatable, and packed with the details Google loves.
The Toll Tax Hike: What’s Happening?
The NHA, leaning on Section 10(2) of the NHA Act 1991, announced the new rates with a simple goal: keep Pakistan’s roads in shape. Highways and motorways handle most of the country’s traffic—think millions of cars, wagons, and trucks daily—so the cash is supposed to fix potholes and fund upgrades.
But here’s the kicker: this is the second hike in three months, and it’s leaving commuters feeling the pinch. Starting April 1, your wallet’s going to notice the difference whether you’re cruising the M-1 or zipping through the Kohat Tunnel.
How Much More Will You Pay on Highways?
Toll Tax Rates Across Pakistan’s Highways and Motorways (Effective April 1, 2025)
National Highways
| Category | General National Highways | Kohat Tunnel (N-55) | IMDCW (N-75) | Mianwali-Muzaffargarh (N-135) | Fatehpur & Chowk Sarwap (N-135) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Rs. 70 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 70 | Rs. 20 |
| Wagon | Rs. 150 | Rs. 500 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 150 | Rs. 30 |
| Bus | Rs. 250 | Rs. 600 | Rs. 350 | Rs. 250 | Rs. 60 |
| 2 & 3 Axle Trucks | Rs. 300 | Rs. 600 | Rs. 400 | Rs. 300 | Rs. 70 |
| Articulated Trucks | Rs. 550 | Rs. 900 | Rs. 800 | Rs. 550 | Rs. 150 |
Motorways
| Category | M-1 (Islamabad-Peshawar) | M-3 (Lahore-Abdul Hakeem) | M-4 (Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan) | M-5 (Multan-Sukkur) | M-14 (D.I. Khan-Hakla) | E-35 (Hassanabadl-Havelian-Manshera) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Rs. 550 | Rs. 800 | Rs. 1050 | Rs. 1200 | Rs. 650 | Rs. 300 |
| Wagon (up to 12 seats) | Rs. 850 | Rs. 1200 | Rs. 1550 | Rs. 1750 | Rs. 1100 | Rs. 450 |
| 13-24 Seater (Coaster/Mini Bus) | Rs. 1150 | Rs. 1750 | Rs. 2300 | Rs. 2550 | Rs. 1450 | Rs. 600 |
| Bus | Rs. 1650 | Rs. 2500 | Rs. 3200 | Rs. 3650 | Rs. 2200 | Rs. 900 |
| 2 & 3 Axle Trucks | Rs. 2150 | Rs. 3200 | Rs. 4200 | Rs. 4700 | Rs. 2800 | Rs. 1150 |
| Articulated Trucks | Rs. 2650 | Rs. 3950 | Rs. 5150 | Rs. 5750 | Rs. 3350 | Rs. 1400 |
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the new toll rates for national highways. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal—costs depend on your ride and the route. Here’s what’s changing:
- Most National Highways
A family car? Rs. 70. A wagon? Rs. 150. Buses jump to Rs. 250, while 2- or 3-axle trucks hit Rs. 300. Big articulated trucks? Rs. 550. Pretty standard stuff—until you hit special spots. - Kohat Tunnel (N-55)
This one’s pricier. Cars are Rs. 200, wagons Rs. 500, buses Rs. 600, and trucks Rs. 600-900. It’s a tunnel, so maybe they’re charging for the view? - IMDCW (N-75)
Cars and wagons both clock in at Rs. 200, buses at Rs. 350, and articulated trucks top out at Rs. 800. Fairly steep for a quick stretch. - Mianwali-Muzaffargarh (N-135)
Matches the standard highway rates: Rs. 70 for cars, Rs. 150 for wagons, up to Rs. 550 for the big rigs. - Fatehpur & Chowk Sarwap Toll Plazas (N-135)
A lighter hit—Rs. 20 for cars, Rs. 30 for wagons, and Rs. 150 max for articulated trucks. Small mercy for local commuters.
If you’re a regular on these roads, those numbers add up fast. A daily drive through Kohat Tunnel could mean Rs. 200 out of pocket each way—ouch.
Motorway Madness: New Rates for M-1, M-3, and Beyond
Motorways are where the toll tax hike really flexes its muscle. These are the big routes—think Islamabad to Peshawar or Multan to Sukkur—and the rates reflect it. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Islamabad-Peshawar (M-1)
Cars: Rs. 550. Wagons (up to 12 seats): Rs. 850. Mini buses or coasters: Rs. 1150. Full buses: Rs. 1650. Trucks? Rs. 2150-2650. That’s a hefty jump for a smooth ride. - Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3)
Cars hit Rs. 800, wagons Rs. 1200, buses Rs. 2500, and articulated trucks a whopping Rs. 3950. Long haul, big cost. - Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad-Multan (M-4)
Cars at Rs. 1050, wagons Rs. 1550, buses Rs. 3200, and trucks up to Rs. 5150. This one’s a wallet-buster. - Multan-Sukkur (M-5)
The priciest yet—cars at Rs. 1200, wagons Rs. 1750, buses Rs. 3650, and articulated trucks Rs. 5750. Cross-province travel just got luxe. - D.I. Khan-Hakla (M-14)
A bit gentler—cars Rs. 650, wagons Rs. 1100, buses Rs. 2200, trucks Rs. 2800-3350. - Hassanabadl-Havelian-Manshera Expressway (E-35)
The lightest of the bunch—cars Rs. 300, wagons Rs. 450, buses Rs. 900, trucks Rs. 1150-1400.
Even smaller tolls, like Rs. 20 at Fatehpur, add up for locals. Twice a day, five days a week? That’s Rs. 200 monthly—just for passing through. The NHA says it’s for road upkeep, but drivers are asking: where’s the smoother ride or faster fixes?
Two hikes in three months feels like a lot, right? The NHA’s keeping mum on specifics, but with inflation biting and fuel costs up, they’re likely scrambling to cover expenses. Pakistan’s highways and motorways are lifelines—carrying everything from groceries to commuters—but maintaining them isn’t cheap. Still, the timing stings, especially with no big road upgrades announced alongside the increase.
Social media’s already lighting up. “Another toll hike? Roads still bumpy!” one X user griped. Another chimed in, “Rs. 1200 for M-5 is wild—might as well fly!” Truckers are worried about passing costs to customers, while families wonder if road trips are worth it anymore. It’s a hot topic, and the chatter’s only starting.
Come April 1, 2025, Pakistan’s highways and motorways will cost more to cruise. From Rs. 20 at local plazas to Rs. 5750 on M-5, the NHA’s toll tax hike is shaking up budgets nationwide. Whether you’re a commuter, a business owner, or just love a weekend drive, it’s time to rethink your travel game.
What’s your take? Are these tolls fair, or too much too soon? Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears for how this hits you!
Note: Rates and details based on the NHA’s latest notification as of March 30, 2025.
