Bengaluru: The free ride on the 71-km Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, within Karnataka, has officially come to an end. Starting Thursday (Sept 4), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began collecting toll fees for the stretch between Hoskote and Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).For car owners, travelling from Hedigenabele (near Hoskote) to Sundarapalya (near KGF) now costs 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.According to a notification issued by NHAI, toll charges are based on the distance travelled. Four toll plazas are operational along the route at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya.Regional officer of NHAI, Vilas Brahmankar, said, “Toll fee collection began Thursday morning. The toll is being collected as per the notification issued by our headquarters.” Another NHAI official confirmed that private car owners who purchased Fastag-based annual pass worth Rs 3,000 can also use the expressway.NHAI unofficially opened the stretch to motorists in March without collecting toll fees. In July, NHAI had issued notification for collection of toll fee. As per the design specification, maximum speed of 120 kmph has been fixed. With the commencement of toll collection, the first phase of the expressway — comprising a 71-km stretch in Karnataka — has been officially opened for commercial operations.However, due to delays in construction work in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the entire corridor is now expected to be operational by July 2026. BoxRoute – Vehicle – One-way trip cost (in Rs) – Round trip charge (in Rs)Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya – Car – 185 – 275 – LCVs, LGVs, minibus – 295 – 445 – Trucks, buses – 620 – 930Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele – Car – 190 – 280 – LCVs, LGVs, minibus – 305 – 455 – Trucks, buses – 635 – 955Source: NHAI BlurbMonthly passes for cars are priced at Rs 6,105 (for 50 trips) in one direction and Rs 6,260 for round trip
