Web Desk: The Sindh government has approved the introduction of a toll tax for heavy and commercial vehicles travelling on the 135-kilometre Mehran Highway, aiming to generate revenue for road maintenance while exempting private passenger vehicles from the new charges.
The decision was taken during a Sindh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday.
The cabinet was informed that the Mehran Highway is currently being upgraded into a dual carriageway under a development project valued at Rs41 billion. Officials said the proposed tolling mechanism is designed to create a sustainable source of funding for the highway’s upkeep once construction is completed.
According to officials, the toll system is projected to generate nearly Rs2.14 billion annually. After accounting for operational and maintenance expenses, the provincial government expects net annual revenue of approximately Rs1.48 billion.
The income will be dedicated to maintaining the highway, reducing reliance on government budget allocations for future repairs and operational costs.
Under the approved framework, toll charges will apply exclusively to heavy and commercial vehicles, while private passenger vehicles will continue to use the highway without paying any toll.
The cabinet also endorsed toll categories for various classes of commercial and heavy vehicles. However, authorities said the detailed tariff schedule will be released before the collection system becomes operational.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the initiative would help preserve road infrastructure and strengthen the province’s long-term transport network by ensuring a steady stream of maintenance funding.
The provincial decision comes after the National Highway Authority (NHA) recently revised toll charges on national highways and several major motorways across Pakistan.
Under the updated tariff structure, motorists travelling on national highways now pay Rs100 for cars, Rs200 for wagons and Rs300 for buses. Revised toll rates have also been implemented on the M-3, M-4 and M-5 motorways, with higher charges introduced across all vehicle categories. The increases form part of broader efforts to support the operation and maintenance of Pakistan’s expanding road infrastructure.
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