The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon begin toll collection on the 70-km Karnataka stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, ending the free travel facility available to daily commuters on the route. The expressway, the first in the state of Karnataka, was temporarily opened in February and has made driving possible from Hoskote to Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).
According to the NHAI, toll rates are being finalised. Car drivers could be charged up to Rs 150 for a one-way trip and up to Rs 225 for a round trip. There are three interchanges along the route, at Malur, Bangarpet, and Betamangala, where tolls could range from Rs 55 to Rs 150. Heavy vehicles could be charged up to Rs 520 for a one-way trip and Rs 780 for a return.
NHAI regional officer Vilas Brahmankar informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification regarding toll collection on this section. As soon as the relevant departmental formalities are completed and the district administration is informed, toll collection will be formally started.
This 261 km long Greenfield Expressway passes through three states—Karnataka (76 km), Andhra Pradesh (91 km), and Tamil Nadu (94 km). However, its work in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is still incomplete.
Currently, about 2,000 to 2,500 vehicles are using this route daily. For better connectivity from the Bengaluru-Kolar Highway to the expressway, NHAI has given Rs 20 crore to the Karnataka government, through which 18 km of rural and district roads are being upgraded. After their completion, traffic on the route is expected to increase significantly.
However, those accessing the expressway from Hoskote still face congestion on Old Madras Road. But this problem is likely to be relieved with the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) and STRR-Hosur link becoming operational by August.
The administration has made it clear that two-wheelers, autos, and tractors are not allowed on the expressway. Despite this, bike riders are using the route illegally, raising concerns about road safety. So far, several serious accidents have occurred due to speeding.
According to an official, the expressway is designed for cars to run at a speed of 120 km/h. Necessary measures have been implemented to ensure safety, and monitoring by the local police has been increased.
As soon as the public notice is issued, the toll collection process will officially begin, ensuring orderly operations in this important project.
