Nepal road board has started collecting road tolls on its own this year. In the past, contractors used to collect the toll money. But some contractors did not deposit the collected amount, so the board decided to handle the collection itself.
According to executive director Ganesh Bahadur KC, the toll amount will now be deposited directly into the board’s bank account through a QR-based digital payment system.
Toll collection had stopped after the Covid pandemic. It has now restarted from the Bhairahawa–Bhumahi road section. The board will soon begin the same system on the Narayangadh–Muglin, Birgunj–Pathlaiya, and Dharan–Biratnagar road sections.
KC also said the board is preparing to collect tolls on other major highways. This includes the Muglin–Pokhara section of Prithvi Highway, the Dhulikhel–Tatopani section of Araniko Highway, and several sections of the East–West Highway such as Butwal–Lamahi, Lamahi–Kohalpur, Kohalpur–Attariya, and Attariya–Gaddachauki.
Earlier, when contractors collected road tolls, they often charged extra and created problems for transport operators. Because of this, the board has set up digital toll gates and started collecting the toll on its own.
Transport operators demand a fare rise
Transport operators have asked the government to increase vehicle fares. They say the toll charges will raise their costs, so fares must be adjusted.
Vijay Bahadur Swar, president of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, said they are ready to pay the toll but fares need to be updated. He said they cannot cover their expenses without a fare adjustment.
Road board officials say the toll money will help repair and maintain roads. They believe better road conditions will reduce potholes and make travel easier, so transport operators will not face extra problems.
How much toll needed to pay?
Road tolls will be collected from both public and private vehicles, except government vehicles.
Narayangadh–Muglin section:
- Bus, minibus, truck, mini-truck, heavy equipment: Rs 55
- Car, jeep, pickup van, tractor: Rs 25
- Three-wheelers and motorcycles: Free
Bhairahawa–Bhumahi section:
- Bus, minibus, truck, mini-truck, heavy equipment: Rs 30
- Car, jeep, pickup van, tractor: Rs 20
- Three-wheelers and motorcycles: Rs 10
Birgunj–Pathlaiya section:
- Bus, minibus, truck, mini-truck, heavy equipment: Rs 50
- Car, jeep, pickup van, tractor: Rs 20
- Three-wheelers and motorcycles: Rs 10
Dharan–Biratnagar section:
- Bus, minibus, truck, mini-truck, heavy machinery: Rs 75
- Car, jeep, pickup van, tractor: Rs 25
- Three-wheelers and motorcycles: Rs 10
Toll rates for Nagdhunga tunnel users
Vehicles entering Kathmandu through the Nagdhunga tunnel will need to pay the following tolls:
- Car and van: Rs 65 (entry), Rs 60 (exit)
- Minibus and mini-truck: Rs 115 (entry), Rs 80 (exit)
- Bus and truck: Rs 260 (entry), Rs 200 (exit)
- Heavy vehicles: Rs 600 (entry), Rs 250 (exit)
The board says all collected toll money will be used for road repair and maintenance in the respective areas.
