Bengaluru:

This hike is part of an annual revision linked to inflation, affecting toll rates across Karnataka and other parts of the country. According to NHAI Project Director KB Jayakumar, the increase will range between three per cent and five per cent, depending on the specific toll plaza and concessionaire period. Official notifications regarding these revisions will be issued in the coming days.

Motorists using the tolled expressway on Ballari Road leading to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will have to pay higher toll fees starting April 1. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a revised toll structure, increasing the single journey fare for cars from Rs 115 to Rs 120, while the return journey fee will rise from Rs 170 to Rs 180.

Toll Increase on STRR and Other Highways

At the Nalluru-Devanahalli toll plaza, the monthly pass fee for cars has been set at Rs 2,815, while the local pass remains Rs 350. Meanwhile, at the Hulikunte toll plaza, a monthly pass for cars will cost Rs 3,615, with the local pass unchanged at Rs 350. The four-lane STRR stretch was developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and connects to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway at Hoskote.

The Satellite Toll Ring Road (STRR), connecting Dabaspet to Hoskote, will also see a toll revision at the Nallur-Devanahalli and Hulikunte toll plazas. Car and LCV/LGV users will pay an additional Rs 5 for a single journey and Rs 10 for a return journey. Bus operators will face a Rs 10 hike for a single trip and Rs 20 for a return trip.

Nationwide Toll Hike from June 3

In addition to the toll hikes in Karnataka, NHAI has announced a nationwide toll increase of 5 per cent on expressways, effective from June 3. This revision was originally scheduled for April 1 but was deferred due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The annual toll adjustment is based on changes in the wholesale price index (CPI-based inflation) and applies to approximately 855 toll plazas across the national highway network. The hike is part of NHAI’s standard procedure under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

Motorists traveling on major national highways, including routes in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, should prepare for increased travel costs as the revised toll rates come into effect in the coming months.

K.B. Jayakumar, NHAI Project Director, said, "Every year, toll rates are revised based on inflation. This time, motorists using Ballari Road and other highways will see a 3-5% increase."

Impact on Commuters and Vehicle Categories

The toll fee increase is expected to impact private vehicle owners, air travelers relying on taxis, and daily commuters using city buses and AC buses to KIA. On an average day, 80,000 to one lakh vehicles pass through the Sadahalli toll plaza, making it one of the busiest routes in Bengaluru.

For light commercial vehicles (LCVs), mini buses, and large goods vehicles (LGVs), the single journey toll has been revised from Rs 175 to Rs 185, while the return journey will now cost Rs 275 instead of Rs 265. Similarly, truck and bus operators will see an increase of Rs 15 for both single and return journeys, with the new fees set at Rs 370 and Rs 550, respectively.

For frequent travelers, the monthly pass for cars covering 50 single journeys has been revised to Rs 3,970, while a local monthly pass will cost Rs 350.

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