Commuters traveling between Bengaluru and Chennai will now have to spend more. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a new order regarding toll collection on the Karnataka section of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway. According to this order, toll collection will soon commence on the 71-kilometer stretch from Hediganabele to Sundarapalya.
Until now, this route was free for vehicle users, but now, with the new rates set by NHAI, all four-wheeled and heavy vehicles traveling on this route will have to pay a toll. Although traffic has been flowing on this route for over seven months, toll collection had been unofficially halted.
Toll Plazas to be Set Up at Four Locations
According to NHAI's plan, tolls will be collected at four locations on this expressway. The toll plaza locations are fixed at Hediganabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya. All these locations are situated on the Bengaluru-Chennai route, and all vehicles passing through here will now have to pay the stipulated amount.
Rates Fixed for Cars and Jeeps
For small private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans, the toll for a one-way trip from Hediganabele to Sundarapalya will be ₹185. If someone returns on the same day, they will have to pay a total of ₹275, including the return trip. If the journey is in the opposite direction, i.e., from Sundarapalya to Hediganabele, the toll for a single trip will be ₹190.
If someone travels daily and uses this route 50 times a month, a monthly pass option is available. The price of this pass is fixed at ₹6105 in the Hediganabele to Sundarapalya direction and ₹6260 in the opposite direction.
Higher Rates for Commercial and Goods Vehicles
Light commercial vehicles (LCV), light goods vehicles (LGV), and vehicles like mini-buses will have to pay ₹295 for a one-way trip and ₹445 for a round trip. If these vehicles are traveling from Sundarapalya towards Hediganabele, they will have to pay slightly more toll. In this direction, the toll will be ₹305 for a one-way trip and ₹455 for a round trip.
Trucks and buses will bear a heavier burden. They will have to pay ₹620 for a one-way trip from Hediganabele to Sundarapalya and ₹930 for a round trip. Conversely, traveling from Sundarapalya to Hediganabele will cost ₹635 for a one-way trip and ₹955 for a round trip.
High-Speed Convenience, But No Route for Bikes
The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is designed for speeds of 120 kilometers per hour, meaning it is fully equipped for high-speed traffic. However, there is a strict ban on the movement of two-wheeled vehicles on this highway. Two-wheeler riders are not allowed here because the expressway infrastructure is designed only for four-wheeled and heavy vehicles.
Despite this, some bike riders are ignoring this rule and secretly entering the expressway. This is attributed to incomplete fencing. Keeping safety in mind, NHAI is now seeking approval for the deployment of home guards at key sections of the expressway and toll plazas. Until the surrounding fencing is completed, this step is considered necessary to prevent such violations.
Toll Collection System Has Begun
According to a report, the toll collection process will be started as soon as all technical and administrative preparations are completed. NHAI officials have indicated that the testing of the toll system has been completed and it will be implemented soon.
Passengers and transporters traveling on this route will now have to keep toll charges in mind while planning their journey. This expressway will not only make the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai faster but also more convenient, but it will also entail an additional expense from your pocket.
Free Travel Facility Now Over
People have been using the Karnataka section of the expressway without paying toll for the past seven months. This section stretches between Hediganabele and Sundarapalya, and thousands of vehicles travel on it daily. NHAI is now going to officially bring this route completely under the toll system.
According to government officials, toll collection will not only help in maintenance and management but will also increase revenue, which will support other highway projects as well.
