Travel on Chandigarh-Manali highway to get costlier as toll collection set to resume at two plazas

Mandi: Travelling along the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway is set to become more expensive as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to reintroduce toll collection at Takoli and Dohlunala.

These toll plazas, which were temporarily closed following the devastating natural disaster of 2023, are expected to resume operations at the end of this month, about 16 months after the disaster.

The NHAI has indicated that the toll rates at these plazas will be adjusted based on the current state of repairs along the four-lane route.

Officials are currently assessing the repair status from Pandoh to Manali to determine a fair toll tax, which is anticipated to be lower than the pre-disaster rates.

Previously, light motor vehicles (LMVs) were charged Rs 110 at the Takoli toll plaza and Rs 80 at Dohlunala.

However, following severe damage to sections of the highway due to landslides and floods, the NHAI halted toll collection to account for the interrupted services.

The Takoli toll plaza, originally opened on June 16, 2023, ceased operations on August 22 of the same year as highway conditions deteriorated and travel became hazardous.

“We are working to reinitiate toll collection by the end of the month at both Takoli and Dohlunala. Toll rates will be re-evaluated to reflect the current highway conditions,” said Varun Chari, NHAI Project Director.