NHAI Implements Toll Rate Increase on Major Bengaluru Corridors
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a marginal increase in toll rates on several key national highways and expressways around Bengaluru, effective from April 1. This adjustment impacts popular routes such as the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), and the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway, among others. The revised tolls are set to affect daily commuters, commercial vehicle operators, and air travelers, potentially leading to higher transportation costs across the region.
Detailed Breakdown of Revised Toll Charges
At the Sadahalli toll gate on Kempegowda International Airport Road (Ballari Road), the single-trip fee for cars remains unchanged at Rs 120. However, the return journey fee has been increased from Rs 180 to Rs 185. For frequent users, the monthly pass for 50 trips now costs Rs 4,070. Light commercial vehicles (LCV/LGV) and mini-buses will see a Rs 5 hike, with single-trip charges rising from Rs 185 to Rs 190 and return fares from Rs 275 to Rs 280. Their monthly passes are priced at Rs 6,255.
Truck and bus operators face a more significant increase, with tolls going up by Rs 5 to Rs 15. Single-trip charges have been revised to Rs 375, while return journeys will now cost Rs 565. The monthly pass for these vehicles stands at Rs 12,575. This hike is expected to have a cascading impact on bus fares, particularly for services operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which runs extensive routes to the airport and surrounding towns like Devanahalli and Chikkaballapur. Air passengers may end up paying more for Vayu Vajra services as a result.
Specific Corridor Updates and Fluctuations
On the STRR corridor, toll for cars has been increased by Rs 5. At the Nelluru-Devanahalli plaza, single-trip charges stand at Rs 75, with return journeys costing Rs 125 and monthly passes at Rs 2,805. At Hulikunte, cars will pay Rs 110 for a single trip and Rs 160 for return journeys, with monthly passes priced at Rs 3,595.
For the 72km operational stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway between Hoskote and KGF (Bethamangala), NHAI has revised tolls across four plazas: Hedaginabele, Agrahara, Krishnapura, and Sundarapalya. Car users will pay around Rs 150 for a single trip and up to Rs 225 for return journeys, with monthly passes ranging between Rs 4,860 and Rs 4,985 depending on direction. Notably, toll rates on this stretch have seen fluctuations. After initially charging expressway-level tolls when the stretch opened last year, NHAI reduced rates in February 2026, citing incomplete sections. With only 72km of the 261km corridor operational, the authority is now levying tolls on par with national highway rates rather than full expressway pricing.
On the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway, the toll for cars has been increased by Rs 5. At Kaniminike, single-journey toll has been revised from Rs 175 to Rs 180, while return journey fee has gone up from Rs 260 to Rs 265. At Ganaguru toll plaza, single-journey fee has increased from Rs 170 to Rs 175, and return journey one from Rs 255 to Rs 260. As per the revised rates, a one-way trip between Bengaluru and Mysuru will cost Rs 355.
Impact and Broader Implications
The toll hike is likely to affect various stakeholders, including daily commuters, logistics companies, and public transport users. With increases across multiple vehicle categories, the move could contribute to higher costs for goods and services in the region. Authorities have not provided specific reasons for the adjustment, but it aligns with periodic reviews of toll rates to account for maintenance and operational expenses. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative routes or transportation modes to mitigate the financial impact.
