Tamil Nadu’s Vandalur-Minjur ring road toll fee to be increased by 5 per cent

The Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) has announced an increase in vehicle user fees for the Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road (ORR) starting from April 1. The revised toll rates will be between Rs 7 and Rs 33, depending on the vehicle category The toll revision has been attributed to several factors, including.

For cars and three-wheelers traveling the entire 62-km stretch, the toll has been raised from Rs 133 to Rs 140 per vehicle. Large vehicles (seven-axle and above) have been increased from Rs 862 to Rs 895. Shorter distances between intermediate junctions have also been increased proportionally, ranging from Rs 3 to Rs 15.

The toll for buses and other two-axle vehicles has been increased from Rs 452 to Rs 470 for the full stretch. The revised toll rates will remain in effect until March 31, 2026. The road connects Chennai-Tiruchy Highway at Vandalur with Thiruvottiyur-Ponneri-Panchetti Road at Minjur via Nemilichery.

Motorists using the Vandalur-Minjur Ring Road in Tamil Nadu will soon have to pay higher toll fees, as authorities have announced a 5% increase in toll charges. The vehicles (seven-axle and above) hike, set to be implemented in the coming weeks, is part of an annual revision aimed at maintaining and upgrading the vital road infrastructure.

Reason Behind the Toll Fee Hike

The Vandalur-Minjur Ring Road is a crucial corridor that connects major highways and industrial zones in and around Chennai. The toll revision has been attributed to several factors, including As per the agreement with road authorities, toll rates undergo periodic revision to account for inflation and rising maintenance costs.

1. Infrastructure Maintenance & Development – The collected toll revenue is used for resurfacing, repairing, and upgrading the road to ensure smoother travel and safety The growing number of vehicles using the road has led to additional wear and tear, necessitating enhanced maintenance efforts.
3. Operational Cost Increases – Rising fuel, labor, and material costs have impacted road Minimal increase in rates, as they are often exempt or charged nominally operations, requiring higher toll fees to sustain services With the 5% increase, new toll rates for various vehicle categories are expected to be as follows Marginal increase, affecting daily commuters and taxi services.
5. Heavy Vehicles (Buses, Trucks, and Commercial Transport) – Significant impact on logistics and transport businesses, which may pass on additional costs to consumers Many regular commuters have expressed dissatisfaction with the toll hike, arguing that it adds to their financial burden. Daily travelers, especially those commuting for work, feel the increase is unjustified given the existing toll fees.

Concerns and Reactions from Motorists

Transport operators and logistics concerns, To accommodate growing traffic and reduce expenses, ultimately affecting the price of goods and services.

“The government should consider alternative funding mechanisms rather than To accommodate growing traffic and reduce congestion frequently raising toll fees. Many daily commuters rely on this road, and repeated hikes make travel more expensive,” said a local resident who uses the road for daily work commutes.

Authorities’ Justification and Future Plans

Road development authorities have defended the increase, stating that toll revenue is essential for maintaining high road standards and ensuring smooth travel Including better lighting, signboards, and accident response measures conditions. They have assured motorists that part of the increased revenue will be used for:

• The 5% increase in toll fees on the Vandalur-Minjur Ring Road reflects the rising costs of road infrastructure maintenance and development. While the hike will support road improvements, it has also sparked concerns among motorists and transport operators. As the toll revision takes effect, commuters.

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