From tomorrow, pay more toll on road to international airport

The commuters taking the National Highway-7 connecting the Kempegowda International Airport and the City will have to shell out more money as toll from April 1. The National Highways Authority of India will hike the toll rate from next month.

With the upward revision, the toll for two-way trip for cars, jeeps and vans will increase to Rs 120 from Rs 115 and the monthly pass fare for this category of vehicles will go up to Rs 2,615 from Rs 2,560. Similarly, light commercial vehicles, light goods vehicles and mini buses will have to shell out Rs 180 for two-way trip and Rs 4,020 for monthly pass.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Project Director, Karnataka, NHAI, Surendra Kumar said: "The toll revision is a routine process and NHAI is revising the rate as per the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

While the toll for BMTC buses has been increased by Rs 10 for the two-way trip, the final call on revising the bus fares is yet to be taken by BMTC authorities. Managing Director of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Ekroop Caur, said they will take a decision  only after they get an official communication from the NHAI. “The revision of the fare will depend on the quantum of change. If it is a minor revision like Rs four to Rs five, then the rate will remain the same," she said.

General Secretary, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association, Ramakrishna Holla pointed out that the customers taking cabs and taxis will be told to pay Rs five extra from April 1. “Everyday about 30,000 cabs travel to and from KIA. The toll rate might increase further in next financial year. We hope the State government intervenes and does something about this.”

Vinay Srinivas from Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike said that BMTC should write to the State government about the toll hike and make sure that public transport does not get affected by this. “The toll is illogical and BMTC buses should be spared, at least," he added.