Toll tax soon on Karnataka link of Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway: Check charges for different vehicles

Chennai: Drivers using the Karnataka section of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway, running from Hedigenabele (near Hoskote) to Sundarapalya (close to KGF), will soon have to pay toll fees. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has now set the toll rates, according to a report by The Times of India. This stretch of about 71 kilometers has been informally open for more than seven months. Toll collection will begin once the system is fully connected and coordination is done at the district level.

As per the report, traveling one way in a car or jeep from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya will cost Rs 185. A round trip on the same route will cost Rs 275. For those going the other way (Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele), the one-way fee will be slightly higher at Rs 190. For frequent users, a monthly pass for 50 trips is priced at Rs 6,105 in one direction and Rs 6,260 for the opposite direction.

Toll fees will differ depending on the type of vehicle and which way the vehicle is going. For example, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and minibuses will have to pay Rs 295 for a one-way drive from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya, and Rs 445 for a return trip. If traveling from Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, the cost is a bit more, at Rs 305 for one way and Rs 455 for both ways.

For heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, the one-way toll from Hedigenabele is Rs 620, and the round-trip cost is Rs 930. When coming from Sundarapalya, the single journey will cost Rs 635, and the round trip will cost Rs 955. Toll charges will be collected at four plazas—these are located at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya. This setup ensures that tolls are charged based on how far a vehicle travels.

The expressway is built for fast travel, with speed limits of up to 120 km per hour. It has become a popular route for people going to KGF and parts of eastern Karnataka. Still, even though vehicles have been using it for a while, the official launch has not yet happened. Since there has been little monitoring, some problems have occurred—especially two-wheelers getting onto the road even though they are not allowed.

Reports say that two-wheeler riders have entered the highway through unfinished parts of the boundary wall. This has led to some safety risks. To stop this, the NHAI has asked for permission to post home guards at toll booths and at areas where people are likely to sneak in. This plan will stay in place until proper fencing is completed.