Karnataka Announces 3-5% Toll Hike Starting April 1, Affecting Commuters Statewide
The Karnataka government has confirmed a 3-5% increase in toll charges, set to take effect from April 1. The official notification is expected soon, and this hike will impact motorists at 66 toll plazas across the state. The adjustment in toll rates will depend on the specific concessionaire period for each toll plaza, as explained by KB Jayakumar, the NHAI Bengaluru Project Director.
The toll rate revisions will be determined based on the annual wholesale price index, a measure used to track inflation and price adjustments. This increase is anticipated to affect a wide range of commuters, particularly those traveling to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and using Bengaluru’s Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR).
Radhakrishna Holla, President of the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association, noted that the toll hikes would inevitably be passed on to customers. This means commuters relying on toll roads will face higher transportation costs, whether they are driving private vehicles, using taxis, or taking public transport like the state-owned Vayu Vajra buses.
New Toll Rates Overview:
- Sadahalli Toll Plaza (KIA Route):
- Current: INR 115 (one-way), INR 170 (return journey).
- New: INR 120 (one-way), INR 180 (return journey).
- Monthly pass: INR 3,835 to INR 3,970.
- Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) & Minibuses:
- Current: INR 175 (one-way), INR 265 (return journey), INR 5,890 (monthly pass).
- New: INR 185 (one-way), INR 275 (return journey), INR 6,100 (monthly pass).
- Buses & Trucks:
- Current: INR 355 (one-way), INR 535 (return journey), INR 11,845 (monthly pass).
- New: INR 370 (one-way), INR 550 (return journey), INR 12,265 (monthly pass).
Other Affected Routes:
- Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (STRR):
- Hulikunte Toll Plaza (Doddaballapur to Dobbspet stretch):
- Current: INR 105 (one-way), INR 155 (return journey), INR 3,490 (monthly pass).
- New: INR 110 (one-way), INR 165 (return journey), INR 3,615 (monthly pass).
- Nalluru Devanahalli Toll Plaza (Doddaballapur bypass-Hoskote stretch):
- Current: INR 70 (one-way), INR 105 (return journey).
- New: INR 85 (one-way), INR 125 (return journey).
- Hulikunte Toll Plaza (Doddaballapur to Dobbspet stretch):
These toll hikes, though modest, are likely to have a significant financial impact on daily commuters, particularly those using these routes frequently for work, travel, or business.