Chaos on NH 209: Toll Collection Ignites Frustration Among Bengaluru-Kanakapura Commuters Amid Unfinished Roads!
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiated toll collection on the Bengaluru-Kanakapura road starting May 9, 2025, leaving both commuters and local residents taken aback. The toll plaza, located near Somanahalli on National Highway 209, charges ₹85 for light motor vehicles, including cars and jeeps, for a one-way trip, while a return journey costs ₹130. Light commercial vehicles and mini-buses incur charges of ₹140 for a single journey and ₹205 round trip. Larger vehicles see higher tolls, with lorries charged ₹290 and buses ₹435. For three-axle vehicles, the fee stands at ₹315 one-way and ₹475 for a return, while those with four to six axles pay ₹455 and ₹680, respectively. Vehicles with seven or more axles face tolls of ₹555 for a single journey and ₹830 for a return.
The NHAI is currently upgrading the NH 209 corridor, an essential route connecting Bengaluru to Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, to a double-lane road. This project spans through several towns, including Kanakapura and Chamarajanagar, but critical construction remains incomplete, particularly near Bengaluru’s southern outskirts. Local residents in villages such as Kaggalipura, Somanahalli, Tharalu, and Nelaguli have expressed strong disapproval of the toll collection, arguing that the NHAI should have prioritized the completion of service roads on both sides of the toll plaza.
Pruthviraj K., a local resident, expressed frustration about the toll, saying, “It is not justifiable to demand money when basic infrastructure like service roads isn’t ready. The NHAI should either provide free passes to local motorists or expedite the construction of service roads within a 6-km stretch on both sides of the toll plaza. Daily commuters like us are being unfairly penalised.” This sentiment was echoed by many, who are also calling for much-needed improvements to the road connecting Gandhinagar to Kaggalipura, including better drainage systems and pedestrian safety measures.
Prashanth Hosadurga, a member of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, criticized the NHAI for lacking public consultation in the toll implementation. “The toll was imposed without informing us. Local vehicles operating within a 20-km radius should be exempt from these charges,” he asserted.
As the tolls roll out, motorists have begun using the Kanakapura–Malavalli route as an alternative to the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, which also now collects tolls. Many express feeling cornered by the situation. Frequent commuter Srikanth R. shared his thoughts, stating, “We switched to the Kanakapura road to avoid heavy tolls on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. Now this road is also tolled, and worse, there’s no proper alternative or even a finished service road. It’s like being forced to pay for a half-finished product. Infrastructure should come before tolls, not the other way around.”
Efforts to reach NHAI officials for comment have thus far been unsuccessful. As concerns mount among local residents and commuters alike, the NHAI faces increasing pressure to address infrastructure issues before imposing tolls.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/toll-collection-begins-on-kanakapuramalavalli-road-despite-incomplete-service-road-residents-and-commuters-upse/article69561516.ece
Category : Karnataka
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Publish Date: 2025-05-11 07:03:00
