NHAI plans multiple toll booths on Bengaluru–Mysuru highway to ease burden on short-distance commuters

In a move aimed at making travel more affordable for those commuting to nearby towns and villages, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to introduce multiple toll booths at various entry and exit points along the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled expressway.

Officials say this plan will allow motorists to pay only for the distance they travel, instead of bearing the full toll cost. For instance, currently, cars, vans, and jeeps using the Bengaluru to Nidaghatta stretch of the expressway are charged ₹180 for a one-way trip and ₹270 for a round trip completed within 24 hours. Meanwhile, for travel between Nidaghatta and Mysuru, toll collection at Gananguru village requires these vehicles to pay ₹175 for a single journey and ₹260 for a return trip within the same 24-hour window regardless of the distance covered. This has sparked complaints, especially from short-distance commuters who use the highway for local travel.

According to NHAI officials, the new toll system will be introduced at 14 locations across the 119-km expressway over the next two years. The project includes the construction of railway overbridges, underpasses, and overpasses wherever necessary, with a total budget of ₹712 crore. A private construction firm has been awarded the tender, and is expected to complete the project within two years.

“The proposed toll booths to be built will include loops and dedicated lanes to ensure smooth entry and exit. The toll will be calculated based on the actual distance travelled,” a official told The Hindu.

Entry and Exit points

The entry and exit points are likely to be developed in phases across different segments of the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway. The NHAI officials said that two entry/exit points will be constructed between Bengaluru and the Bidadi bypass, followed by two more between Bidadi and the Ramanagara bypass.

The stretch between Ramanagara and Nidaghatta, via the Channapatna bypass, will have three entry/exit points. Between Maddur and the Mandya bypass, two such points are planned. The Mandya to Srirangapatna section will see four entry/exit points, while one will be constructed between Srirangapatna and Mysuru.

An NHAI official stated that this decentralised tolling method could also reduce the congestion currently observed on service roads near toll plazas. “Thousands of vehicles bypass the Kaniminike toll gate every day to avoid paying the full toll. The new system should ease traffic load on these roads,” the official explained.

Welcome relief

For commuters like Paramesh K. from Ramanagara, the initiative comes as a welcome relief. “I travel every weekend from Bengaluru to Ramanagara and end up paying ₹175 one way. With this new toll setup, I might pay only half of that. It’s a huge relief,” he said.

Another frequent traveller Mahesh Kumar from Mandya voiced mixed feelings. “It’s a good move for saving money, especially for short-distance travellers. But having too many toll booths might slow down the journey since we’ll have to stop more frequently. I hope they ensure fast-tolling systems to keep the traffic flowing.”