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Starting April 1, Karnataka will see an increase in toll rates at several toll plazas. The toll fees will rise by 3% to 5%, affecting important routes such as Bengaluru-Mysuru, Bengaluru-Tirupati, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, and the roads leading to Bengaluru Airport. This change is part of a routine adjustment to manage road maintenance costs. Travelers should be prepared for slight increases in travel expenses as a result of this update.
Toll Rate Hike Across Karnataka
The toll increase will affect multiple locations, including:
- Kaniminike and Sheshagirihalli (Bengaluru-Mysuru route)
- Nangli (Bengaluru-Tirupati route)
- Bagepalli (Bengaluru-Hyderabad route)
- Sadahalli (leading to Bengaluru Airport)
- Hulikunte and Nalluru Devanahalli (Satellite Town Ring Road)
Karnataka has a total of 66 toll plazas, and most of them will see a price hike. The toll charges will increase by a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 5%, depending on the location. This adjustment follows the concessionaire agreements that allow toll fees to be revised periodically.
Why is the Toll Price Increasing?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has confirmed that toll rates increase based on the wholesale price index and as per the 2008 toll rules. KB Jayakumar, Project Director of NHAI in Bengaluru, stated that this price adjustment helps manage the rising costs of road maintenance and operations.
Impact on Travelers and Transport Operators
The Karnataka State Travel Operators' Association has responded to the toll hike. Radhakrishna Holla, the association's president, mentioned that the increased charges will be passed on to passengers.
- Tourists and daily commuters using taxis and cabs will experience higher fares.
- Regular travelers on highways will need to budget for increased toll fees.
Holla emphasized that this is a default annual hike and is not unexpected. However, it will still impact the cost of transportation, especially for people who frequently use these routes.
Government's Plans for Toll Collection
At the national level, discussions about toll charges are ongoing. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced plans for a new toll policy. The government aims to make toll collection more efficient while continuing to improve highway infrastructure.
- Toll collection in India saw a 35% increase, reaching ₹64,809.86 crore in 2023-24.
- The government is exploring ways to enhance road infrastructure while keeping toll charges reasonable for travelers.
The toll rate hike in Karnataka is part of a larger effort to maintain the state's roads and highways. While the increase is relatively small, it will still affect travelers, taxi operators, and daily commuters. With national discussions on toll collection underway, future policies may bring further changes. For now, travelers in Karnataka should be prepared for slightly higher travel costs starting April 1.
