Chennai-Bengaluru Road Trip To Become Costly From April 1 With Toll Price Hike: Know How Much

Travelling by road between Chennai and Bengaluru is set to become more expensive as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) prepares to hike user fees at toll plazas on the outskirts of Tamil Nadu's capital. The toll fee increase, ranging from 5 to 20 per trip, is expected to take effect from April 1.

Commuters travelling to and from Bengaluru and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu will face a substantial rise in expenses starting April 1. The increased toll fees, set to reach up to Rs 150, are attributed to rate hikes at several toll plazas located along major national highway routes across Tamil Nadu.

The adjustment in toll fees has sparked concerns among commuters, who lament the added financial burden of road travel. Many express frustration over the timing of the fee hike, particularly amidst ongoing economic challenges.

The decision to increase toll fees comes at a time when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) made promises in its Lok Sabha election manifesto to eliminate all toll plazas if the INDIA bloc forms a government at the Centre.

As commuters brace themselves for the impending toll fee hike, discussions regarding alternative routes and transportation modes are gaining traction.

The impact of the toll fee hike extends beyond individual travellers, potentially affecting businesses reliant on transportation networks and the overall economy. Authorities urge commuters to stay informed about the revised toll charges and plan their journeys accordingly to mitigate financial strain.

With the toll fee increase imminent, travellers between Chennai and Bengaluru and across Tamil Nadu are prepared to navigate the roads amidst rising expenses, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by road users in the region.

S Yuvraj of the TN Lorry Owners Association told The Times Of India that NHAI Chennai Region was expected to reduce fees, starting with the Parandur toll plaza in Chengalpet. He claimed that these toll plazas, established in 2005, have already recovered their initial capital costs.

He also criticized NHAI for its management of toll revenues, asserting that despite the considerable income generated, only a fraction is allocated towards the upkeep of highway stretches. He specifically highlighted the deplorable condition of the Sriperumbudur-Kancheepuram section of the Chennai-Bengaluru highway, which has been marred by potholes and craters for several months.

Yuvraj emphasized that while the road should have been expanded to eight lanes by now, efforts for expansion are currently limited to six lanes.