Starting from Monday, April 1, travelling between the city and Bengaluru International Airport is set to become costlier as the toll on National Highway 44 is going to be increased.
The toll paid at the Sadahalli (Navayuga Devanahalli) plaza will be increased by Rs 5 for single and return trip for cars. Until now, the toll for cars for single and return journeys was Rs 85 and Rs 130 which will now become Rs 90 and Rs 135 respectively.
Similarly, the monthly pass for cars has been increased to Rs 3,020 from Rs 2,895 while the monthly pass for local vehicles will be fixed at Rs 265.
Compared to cars, the toll for buses will increase by Rs 10 for a single journey and Rs 15 for return journeys, while the monthly pass will cost Rs 9,330. Reports suggest that this might prompt the cash-strapped Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to increase fares. However, there is no official announcement from the BMTC yet.
The Hindu quoted an official of the NHAI as saying, “It is a routine revision. It was done in the last financial year as well. The revised toll fee will be applicable till March 31, 2020.”
Deccan Herald reported that the toll for multiaxle cars will be increased by Rs 35 to Rs 830 for a roundtrip.
Speaking with DH, Sanjeev Dyamaannavar, an urban mobility expert and activist said that the state government should expedite work on the alternate toll free road and provide rail connectivity with the airport.
“At present, the approach road is 30 feet wide. It has to be widened to 100 feet. The government should also run affordable public transport to the airport instead of forcing people to shell out more on the toll,” he said.
Prior to March 2018, users did not have to pay toll while going towards the airport. After the alternative route via Hennur was ready, the NHAI started levying toll on the way towards airport. Earlier, to avoid congestion on the way to the airport, the NHAI used to collect toll only on the return journey.
