Rise in Freeway Tolls

As a means to cover the costs of the country’s road expansion program and the debts so far incurred by the government over the project, an average 20% hike in freeway tolling was announced by the deputy minister of roads and urban development. Calling to mind an 18-month delay in raising the rates, Ali Amini said freeway tolls are going up by an average rate of 20%, with some instances of higher jumps of up to 32%. According to him, factors such as maintenance costs and expansion schemes were considered when making the decision, reported local newspaper Donya-e Eqtesad. Amini says in order to achieve the ministry’s targeted 10,000 km freeway expansion program, the government needs to make use of the private sector’s potentials. As government lacks the necessary funds for independent construction of freeways, the expansion project has been outsourced. Furthermore, an arrangement has been made between the government and private contractors, entailing a deferred payment made through tolls collected from vehicles.