An all-around thought-The Karnataka Highway toll rates are increasing 3-5% from April 1, and motorists need to reach deeper into their pockets. It includes 66 toll plazas across the state, which directly affect main routes such oh Bengaluru-Mysore, Bengaluru-Tirupati, and Bengaluru-Hyderabad.
Toll Plazas Affected by the Hike
The revised rates will impact various major toll plazas, such as:
- Kaniminiike and Seshagirihalli (Bengaluru-Mysore Highway)
- Nangli (Bengaluru-Tirupati Route)
- Bagepalli (Bengaluru-Hyderabad Highway)
- Sadahalli (Bengaluru Airport Road)
- Hullikunte and Nalluru Devanahalli (Satellite Town Ring Road)
Mr KB Jayakumar, Project Director of NHAI Bangalore, explained that the hike varies from 3% to 5% depending on the concession period of each toll plaza.
The Reason for the Toll Increase?
The revision is governed by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) according to the 2008 toll policy. There are yearly adjustments, which are usually a routine procedure, but they do adversely affect commuters and commercial operators.
Mr Radhakrishna Holla, Karnataka State Travel Operators Association President confirmed that tourist cabs and taxis will pass the extra cost on to the customers. “This is a mandatory increase, and we have no choice but to adjust fares accordingly,” he said.
Nationwide Toll Increases: More Roads Affected
This is not only a Karnataka change. The NHAI has increased tolls on a huge number of highways and expressways, inclusive of:
- Lucknow-Kanpur Highway (Cars: ₹5-10 more; Trucks: ₹20-25 extra)
- Delhi-Meerut Expressway (Cars: ₹165 to ₹170; Trucks: ₹580 per trip)
- Eastern Peripheral Expressway & NH-9 (Light vehicles: ₹170 to ₹175; Heavy vehicles: ₹590)
This is the second toll hike in less than a year, following the previous one in June 2024.
