Dwarka Expressway Toll Backfires, Pushes Traffic Back To Delhi-Gurugram Route

The Dwarka Expressway toll plaza became operational on Sunday, leading to a significant decrease in vehicle traffic on the new route. The expressway appeared "quite empty" as many drivers, upon learning the toll rates, turned back.

Drivers unanimously stated that the toll rates are "very high" and declared they would use the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway instead, even if it takes longer. This has sparked fears that traffic pressure on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway will increase again.

The Dwarka Expressway, constructed from near the Kherki Daula toll plaza to Shivmurti in Mahipalpur, had previously diverted more than 80,000 vehicles from the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. However, on Sunday, most drivers seemed unaware that the toll had become operational. Upon reaching the plaza, many turned back and traveled to Delhi or the airport via the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, causing traffic pressure on that route to be "visible similar to before."

High Rates Impact Drivers And Businesses

Business owners said they will have to pay more in tolls than they earn and suggested that reducing rates would increase the expressway's use. Light commercial vehicles are charged Rs 355 for a single trip and Rs 535 for a return trip, excluding fuel costs.

Hukamchand Sharma, president of the Gurugram Transporter Welfare Association, noted that the Kherki Daula toll rates have also been increased. He questioned where business owners are expected to go, stating, "Instead of removing the toll plaza, the toll rates have been increased.Using the Dwarka Expressway is so expensive that alternative routes will have to be considered."

Private drivers shared their experiences:

- Rajkumar, a resident of Sector-102, was traveling to Delhi and learned the toll was Rs 220. He said he will use the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway until his monthly pass is issued.

- Deepak stated his car did not have a FASTag and was charged Rs 440, double the toll.

- Umar also paid Rs 440 because his FASTag was not recharged. He called the rate "very high" and called for it to be reduced.

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Local Pass And Official Response

A monthly pass facility is available for Rs 340 for people living within a 20-kilometre radius.

Regarding the complaints, an NHAI official stated that the decision to reduce or increase toll rates is made by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The official advised people living within the 20-kilometre radius to get their passes made as soon as possible.

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