Bengaluru–Chennai expressway: Cars to pay Rs 185-190 one-way on Karnataka stretch | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Car and jeep users using the newly built Karnataka stretch of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway travelling from Hedigenabele (near Hoskote) to Sundarapalya (near KGF) will soon have to pay Rs 185 for a single journey and Rs 275 for a round trip. In the opposite direction — from Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele — the toll is slightly higher: Rs 190 for a single trip and Rs 280 for a round trip.This comes as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finalised toll charges for the 71km section connecting Hoskote and KGF (Bethamangala), which has been unofficially open to traffic for over seven months.Tolls will be charged based on distance, with four plazas located at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya.Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and minibuses will be charged Rs 295 for a one-way journey from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya, and Rs 445 for a round trip. From Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, the rates will be Rs 305 for a single journey and Rs 455 for a round trip.For larger vehicles such as trucks and buses, the toll from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya is Rs 620 for a single trip and Rs 930 for a round trip. In the reverse direction, the toll is Rs 635 and Rs 955.Monthly passes for cars cost Rs 6,105 (50 trips) in one direction and Rs 6,260 in the reverse.While the expressway’s smooth surface and high-speed limits (up to 120 kmph) have appealed to regular commuters, the toll charges could dampen their enthusiasm. A senior NHAI official said toll collection will begin shortly after system integration and coordination with the district administration.Since the road opened unofficially, violations have raised red flags, particularly the unauthorised entry of two-wheelers, which are banned. Incidents of bikes sneaking through incomplete boundary walls have led to accidents, prompting the NHAI to seek permission to deploy home guards at toll plazas and vulnerable spots.“Two-wheeler riders have been entering through gaps in the fencing. This is a serious safety risk. We’ve asked for clearance to station home guards until the boundary wall is fully built,” the official said.The expressway’s use is expected to dip once toll collection begins, but officials are optimistic it will still offer value to commuters seeking faster access to eastern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. To improve last-mile connectivity, NHAI has released funds to upgrade village and district roads, linking Sundarapalya to the Bengaluru–Kolar Expressway via Mulbagal.Meanwhile, motorists continue to urge the authorities to address traffic bottlenecks between KR Pura and Hoskote—an unresolved stretch that often negates the time saved on the high-speed expressway. “You zip through to KGF but get stuck for 40 minutes at KR Pura,” said a regular commuter. “Fixing that needs to come first.”——For Graphic: How much you have to payVehicle typeHoskote to KGFKGF to HoskoteSingleReturn journeySingleReturn journeyCars/jeep185275190280LCV/LGV/minibus295445305455Truck/bus620930635955Source: NHAI