Second Toll Hike in 4 Months on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway: New Rates from July 21

Commuters using the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway will face higher toll charges starting July 21, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced its second rate revision in four months. The new rates apply to the six-lane Bengaluru-Nidaghatta stretch of NH-275, covering the Kaniminike plaza near Bengaluru Urban and the Sheshagirihalli plaza in Bengaluru South (formerly Ramanagara).

For cars, jeeps, vans, and other light motor vehicles, a single trip now costs Rs 185, up from Rs 180. In March this year, the toll was Rs 175, and when the expressway opened to the public in 2023, it was Rs 135. This represents a cumulative increase of about 37% over three years. A same-day return ticket has climbed to Rs 275, and the monthly pass covering 50 trips now costs Rs 6,100, a jump of Rs 160 from the previous Rs 5,940. Residents within a 20-km radius of the plazas continue to get a local monthly pass at an unchanged Rs 360.

The hike comes just under three months after the previous revision took effect on April 1. NHAI periodically revises toll rates based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and other factors, as per the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Commuters have expressed concerns over the frequency of increases, with many questioning the value of the expressway given the rising costs. However, officials maintain that the revision is in line with standard procedures and necessary for maintenance and operation.

The Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, a key infrastructure project, was inaugurated in March 2023 to reduce travel time between the two cities. While it has eased congestion, the recent toll hikes have added to the financial burden on regular commuters.