New Delhi/Bengaluru, March 23: Toll charges will be increased on national highways across the country from April 1, once again putting additional financial burden on motorists.
As per the practice of revising toll rates every year from April 1, a hike has been announced this year as well. Sources said that these rates are likely to increase by 4 to 5 percent.
This rate hike will be applicable to all vehicles including cars, buses, and trucks. Officials said that this revision will be made keeping in mind the maintenance, repair and development costs of highways. However, this measure is likely to put a greater burden on commuters and the transport sector who use the highways daily.
In addition, some changes are also being implemented for FASTag users. It has been decided to strictly follow the rule of charging double toll if there is a shortage of funds in the FASTag account or if the payment fails due to technical problems. This makes it essential for motorists to keep adequate funds in their accounts.
Digital payments are being given high priority with the aim of promoting cashless payment systems on highways. This step is said to have been taken to further strengthen the payment system through FASTag and UPI, which will help reduce vehicle congestion at toll plazas.
Overall, this rate hike is likely to increase the daily travel expenses of the common people. This will especially affect employees and traders who use the highway every day.
Toll rates increase on 9 highways in the state, including the Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway
In the wake of the increase in toll fees on national highways, the fees on national highways in the state will also increase.
Accordingly, toll fees are increasing on nine major national highways, including the Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway.
NH-48: Bangalore – Tumkur – Haveri – Belgaum (Mumbai route)
NH-275: Bangalore – Mysore Expressway
NH-44: Bangalore – Hyderabad
NH-75 (West): Bangalore – Hassan – Mangalore
NH-75 (East): Bangalore – Hoskote – Kolar
NH-66: Mangalore – Udupi – Kundapur
NH-50 / 52 Vijayapura – Hospet – Chitradurga
NH-150A: Hiriyur – Bellary – Jewargi
NH-766: Mysore – Gundlupet
The Bangalore-Mysore Expressway has undergone several revisions since its inception. This is the fourth price hike since toll collection began on April 1, 2023.
A steep 22% hike introduced in June 2023 was withdrawn after public opposition. However, the authorities had already announced an annual increase of about 5%, and now the toll rates have been revised again.