Traveling on Delhi-Meerut Expressway will now be expensive! Toll rates increased from April 1; Know how much your pocket will be loose now on NH-9 and peripherals?

If you frequently travel from Delhi, Noida or Ghaziabad to Meerut and Hapur, then this news is very important for you. With the beginning of the new financial year (2026-27), the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared to give another shock of inflation to the general public. From April 1, traveling on Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME), Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and National Highway-9 (NH-9) is going to be expensive.

According to NHAI Project Director Arvind Kumar, an increase of up to 5 percent in toll rates on these major routes has been proposed. The increased rates will become effective from 12 midnight on March 31. Although, the detailed list of new rates will be officially made public only on the night of March 31, but the estimated figures have increased the concern of vehicle owners.

Mathematics of current and potential toll rates

At present the following tolls are charged in different categories to travel from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

After the 5% increase in these rates from April 1, car drivers may have to pay around Rs 8 to 10 extra for a journey to Meerut.

Annual Fastag also became expensive

NHAI has not only increased the daily toll but also the prices of annual Fastag pass. According to the notification issued on March 15, the annual pass fee for the upcoming financial year has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075. This increase of Rs 75 has been made under the provisions of National Highway Fee Rules, 2008.

Big benefits of Annual Fastag

Once you pay Rs 3,075, you do not have to recharge again and again throughout the year. This pass remains valid for a period of one year or till the vehicle crosses 200 toll plazas (whichever is earlier). Currently more than 56 lakh private vehicle owners across the country are using this facility. Vehicle owners can make payment through the Highway Yatra app or the official website of NHAI. The pass is activated within just 2 hours of payment.

‘Pay-per-use’ model

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized on a new policy to make the toll tax system more transparent and accessible. According to the information given in the Parliament, the government is working on such a technology by which the tax will be taken as per the number of roads. This means that now toll will not be charged for the entire stretch, but only for the distance covered by the vehicle. If you get off the highway after walking only 15 km, you will have to pay only around Rs 15 tax.

no break in speed

Through the new technology, vehicles will be able to cross the toll plaza at a speed of 80 km/hour. The cameras will automatically read the number plate and Fastag and the money will be deducted from the account. This will provide relief from long queues at toll points.