Web desk: Toll tax income on Pakistan’s highways and motorways has more than doubled in just one year, with official figures showing an unprecedented 101 per cent increase during the fiscal year 2024–25.
Media reports reveal that the total amount collected has climbed to over Rs 64.42 billion, compared with Rs 32 billion in 2023–24.
The data shows that both motorways and highways contributed heavily to the rise. Highway toll receipts jumped from Rs 17.75 billion last year to Rs 34.42 billion this year, while motorway collections went from Rs 14.30 billion to nearly Rs 29.99 billion.
A province-wise breakdown reflects steep increases across the country.
Punjab recorded an 84 per cent rise, generating Rs 19.58 billion. Sindh saw the sharpest growth with a 117 per cent increase, reaching Rs 11.37 billion.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed with a 92 per cent hike, bringing in more than Rs 2.38 billion.
Officials attribute this sharp growth to revised toll rates, higher traffic volumes on national routes, and better enforcement of collections.
Analysts say the numbers highlight a broader trend of growing dependence on Pakistan’s road network, both for public transport and for the commercial movement of goods across the country.
Despite the hikes, some categories remain exempt from paying tolls. These include government vehicles, ambulances, police units, and fire brigades.
Not all vehicles are affected by the increased toll charges. As per official records, exemptions remain in place for government vehicles, police units, ambulances, and fire brigades.
These categories still operate on highways and motorways without paying tolls. The increased toll revenue in only a period of twelve months reflects a growing reliance on Pakistan’s road infrastructure.
Analysts say the figures not only highlight the changing role of mobility but also indicate the growing relevance of road infrastructure to the economic activity in the country.
