Islamabad: Millions of passengers and commercial transport operators using Motorway M-2 between Lahore and Islamabad will now have to pay higher toll fees for their travel than before, as the National Highway Authority (NHA) has issued a revised toll schedule for the motorway.
According to a notification issued by the NHA, the new fees have started from July 5, 2026, while these rates will remain in force until April 23, 2027. According to the agency, the toll fee has been increased by a total of 7 percent, which has been implemented under the annual revision mechanism contained in the relevant agreement.
According to the latest schedule, the one-way toll fee for the most used vehicles, namely cars, jeeps and taxis, has been fixed at Rs 1,430. Waggon drivers will have to pay Rs 2,390 while coasters will have to pay Rs 3,350.
Similarly, the new fee for buses has been fixed at Rs 4,770. Two- and three-axle trucks will be charged Rs 6,210, while the toll amount for articulated or heavy trucks has been increased to Rs 7,980.
NHA says that the change in toll fee is not the result of any emergency decision but is part of the regular annual review under the agreement signed in 2014. According to the organisation, these new rates have been implemented keeping in mind the maintenance of motorway infrastructure, operational costs and contract terms.
According to economists, although the increase in toll fees has been limited, it may have an impact on the overall cost of intercity travel and freight. Especially those transport companies that make multiple trips on M-2 daily are expected to have an increase in their operational costs.
On the other hand, circles associated with passenger transport say that if the additional cost is transferred to fares, the public travelling between different cities may have to pay higher fares, while business circles are also calling the increasing costs on the delivery of goods a factor affecting market prices.
According to NHA officials, the revised toll rates have been set in accordance with the policy, financial framework and the terms of the relevant contract implemented across the country, while future revisions will also be made under the same system.