The toll tariff for the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M2) underwent a 10 per cent increase, with the new rates becoming effective starting from Saturday, August 26th, 2023.
The decision to revise the toll rates comes as the National Highways Authority (NHA) releases an official notification, citing the execution of a concession agreement with M/s Motorway Operations and Rehabilitation Engineering (Private) Limited, a subsidiary owned by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).
The agreement, which was formalised on April 23, 2014, pertains to the modernisation and overlay of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) framework. The agreement spans two decades.
As per the terms stipulated in the concession agreement, an escalation of 10 per cent in toll rates is set to be implemented from the second operational year onward. Thus, from the 26th of August 2023 to the 25th of August 2024, the revised toll rates are set to take effect.
According to the official notice provided by the NHA, the revised toll rates are outlined as follows:
- Car/Jeep/Pickup: Rs1,100, equivalent to Rs3.07 per km
- Van: Rs1,840, equivalent to Rs5.15 per km
- Coaster: Rs2,590, equivalent to Rs7.22 per km
- Coach: Rs3,690, equivalent to Rs10.29 per km
- Truck: Rs4,800, equivalent to Rs13.39 per km
- Trailer: Rs6,170, equivalent to Rs17.22 per km
The decision to raise toll rates by 10 per cent reflects the ongoing economic trends in Pakistan, where a range of commodities and services have experienced notable price increments.
The revised toll rates are envisaged to contribute to the sustainability and enhancement of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway infrastructure, supporting ongoing operational and maintenance efforts.
As Pakistan grapples with economic dynamics, this adjustment in toll rates underscores the authorities’ focus on maintaining and improving critical transportation networks across the country.