The DND flyway management announced a hike in toll tariff, effective from December 20. However, Noida residents protested against the hike and threatened to launch an agitation. Officials said toll rate of non-commercial cars has been hiked from Rs 25 to Rs 28. For light-commercial vehicles, it has been hiked from Rs 55 to Rs 70. For buses and trucks, it has been increased from Rs 70 to Rs 85. Large vehicles will now have to pay Rs 120 instead of Rs 100 and extra-large vehicles must pay Rs 155 instead of Rs 130. However, there is no hike for two-wheelers. Also, the hike is only for cash-paying commuters. Those driving class II four-wheelers and non-commercial vehicles and having cards can avail the existing toll rates. Existing card holders can upgrade the card for a minimum of Rs 3,000 and avail benefit of passage at Rs 25. New users can buy silver or gold cards for Rs 5,000 and avail Rs 25 per passage. The second recharge for both new and existing card holders will be for a minimum of Rs 3,000 to continue availing the same price. Discounted passages are valid up to September 30, 2015 and limited cards are available under this scheme. In a statement, the management said it is entitled to an annual fee increase. This is “determined by a formula and approved by a fee review committee”, that includes Noida Authority, according to the terms of the concession agreement executed with the Authority. Though the hike was approved by the committee, the Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Association (FONRWA) is against the hike. “We will hold a protest at DND. We have already filed a PIL,” N P Singh of FONRWA said.
