Tamil Nadu: The All Omni Bus Owners Association has requested the central government to reconsider the toll fee increase in Tamil Nadu.
In this regard, the association’s president, A. Anbazhagan, issued a statement: Tolls at toll booths located on national highways in Tamil Nadu, including Sriperumbudur, Paranur, Vanagaram, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Nanguneri, Vaniyambadi, Viralimalai, Kappalur, Kaniyur, Athur, and Theni, will be increased from April 1. The fare hike is expected to range from ₹5 to ₹100. The impact will be felt even more in the public transport sector. Private buses, tourist buses, and freight vehicles, in particular, have to cross multiple toll booths while traveling long distances, so toll booth fees have become a significant burden on daily operating costs.
While Tamil Nadu pays an average of over ₹2,000 in road tax per omni bus per day, the central government will lose ₹2,000 in toll fees.
Annual toll increases will further weaken the already fragile public transport sector. There is also a risk that some vehicles will avoid national highways and use local roads. This could lead to increased congestion on rural roads, road damage, and safety concerns. Therefore, the central government should immediately review the toll hike and take steps to provide relief to the public and the transport sector.
He also said that barrier heights on national highways should be increased to improve safety, and proper infrastructure should be provided at toll booths to minimize inconvenience to the public and travelers.
