What Are the New Toll Rates on Dwarka Expressway?
According to the latest notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, car owners will now need to pay around Rs 220 for a one-way trip and Rs 330 for a return journey on the 30-km stretch of the Dwarka Expressway.
However, these charges apply only to those who do not hold a “local monthly pass” or a FASTag annual pass for their private vehicles.
The ministry has finalised the toll rates based on the user fee formula for highways that involve extensive infrastructure like flyovers and tunnels. Out of the 30-km stretch, about 22 km consists of elevated structures, significantly raising the cost of construction, and in turn, the toll rate.
Integrated Tolling Between Bijwasan and Kherki Daula Plazas
To make toll payments more convenient and avoid double charges, the government has integrated tolling at Bijwasan (Dwarka Expressway) and Kherki Daula (Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway) plazas.
Here’s how it works:
- If your vehicle crosses Bijwasan plaza first, you pay the applicable toll there and nothing extra at Kherki Daula.
- If you cross Kherki Daula plaza first, you’ll pay the toll there and only the differential amount at Bijwasan.
- This integrated system ensures commuters aren’t charged twice for using connected highway sections.
Who Can Avail Local Monthly Pass and FASTag Annual Pass?
For regular commuters, especially those living near the expressway, there are discounted travel options available:Local Monthly Pass:
Available only for residents living within a 20-km radius of the toll plaza. Applicants must provide proof of residence every month to renew the pass.
FASTag Annual Pass:
Can be purchased and renewed online. It’s accepted at all National Highway toll plazas across India, offering seamless digital payment for frequent travellers.
Those using personal vehicles for daily travel are expected to opt for these passes. But cab and taxi rides are likely to become costlier, as commercial vehicles will pay the full toll, a cost that will eventually be passed on to passengers.
Why Is the Toll on Dwarka Expressway So High?
The toll on the Dwarka Expressway is among the highest in the region, and there’s a reason behind it.
As per NHAI’s tolling norms, elevated and tunnelled sections are converted into equivalent normal road lengths to recover the additional construction cost. This means that even though the actual stretch is 30 km, the toll is being charged for an equivalent 150 km of road length because of the expensive elevated structures.
Similarly, toll rates at Kherki Daula plaza have also been revised upwards, from Rs 80 to Rs 95 for cars, as the calculation now includes all the flyovers built on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway.
Toll Collection Begins on Dwarka Expressway
With toll collection now underway, commuters using the Dwarka Expressway will have to pay for the premium road infrastructure that has reduced travel time between Delhi and Gurgaon.
The new system is expected to streamline traffic and help NHAI recover the high construction costs of one of India’s most advanced urban expressways.
Inputs from TOI