The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began shifting the Bankapur toll plaza to Kunimellahalli. The action aligns with regulations restricting toll plazas to urban areas, as Bankapur holds town panchayat status.
The relocated toll plaza near Kunimellahalli will be situated closer to Haveri City. NHAI officials confirmed the completion of tender procedures, with construction set to commence soon.
Bankapur residents expressed significant frustration with the toll plaza, as they are required to pay fees even for short-distance travel on the NH. The situation led to numerous grievances and frequent confrontations between locals and toll plaza personnel, creating difficulties for both parties in urban zones.The ministry of road transport and highways acknowledged these concerns and implemented a policy to prevent toll plaza construction within 6-7km of cities and industrial zones to accommodate residents. The central govt is considering this arrangement to address the challenges commuters face between their residences and workplaces through toll plazas.
Following these guidelines, the Bankapur toll plaza will be relocated 5km towards Haveri City, near Kunimellahalli. NHAI concluded the tender process for constructing a 12-lane toll plaza, including administrative facilities and associated infrastructure at Kunimellahalli. “The tender procedures have been completed for shifting Bankapur toll plaza to near Kunimellahalli, the work will start soon according to the order by the ministry of road transport and highway authorities,” stated an NHAI engineer from Dharwad.
“This is a great decision taken by the Union govt because we have been facing problems while crossing the toll plaza daily. We travel a 5km stretch every day, but we must pay a toll fee. This is a hardship for us, but now it’s happy news for us as the toll plaza will move 5km away from the spot,” said Parashuram Satyappanavar, a resident of Bankapur.
