National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began collecting the revised toll increased by 22 per cent. The toll was revised in March this year but was put on hold following a public backlash.
As per the revised rate, the toll charges for a single journey from cars/Jeep/ Vans has been raised from ₹135 to 165 while the fee for the return journey has been raised from ₹205 to ₹250.
Similarly, the toll charges for a single journey for buses and trucks has been raised from ₹460 to ₹565 and for return journey have been raised from ₹ ₹690 to ₹850.
For now, the toll is being collected only for a section of the expressway: the 58 km stretch between Bengaluru and Nidaghatta (Kaniminike and Sheshagiri Halli toll plazas).
The expressway was inaugurated on March 12 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Two days later, the NHAI began collecting the toll, which led to protests.
In a notification dated March 27, NHAI revised the toll by 22 per cent as per the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rated and Collection) Rules, 2008 and said the new rate would be applicable from April 1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP for Mysuru-Kodagu, Pratap Simha, subsequently announced that the hike was put on hold.
Justifying the toll revision, Simha on Tuesday, said: “It is normal for the toll to increase when the financial year begins in the entire country. The toll was supposed to be increased in April. Since it was not increased then, it has increased by 22 per cent now.”