New toll rates announced for Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway: All you need to know

Car and jeep users travelling on the newly constructed Karnataka segment of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway—from Hedigenabele near Hoskote to Sundarapalya near KGF—will soon be required to pay ₹185 for a one-way trip and ₹275 for a round trip. In the reverse direction, Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, tolls will be slightly higher at ₹190 for a single journey and ₹280 for a round trip.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised toll rates for the 71-kilometre stretch connecting Hoskote and KGF (Bethamangala), which has been unofficially in use for over seven months. Toll collection will be distance-based, with four plazas set up at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and minibuses will be charged ₹295 for a one-way journey from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya, and ₹445 for a round trip. In the reverse direction, fares will be ₹305 and ₹455, respectively.


For larger vehicles such as trucks and buses, the toll from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya will be ₹620 for a single trip and ₹930 for a round trip. From Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, the charges will be ₹635 and ₹955.

Monthly passes for cars are priced at ₹6,105 for 50 trips in one direction and ₹6,260 for the reverse route.

While the expressway’s smooth road conditions and high-speed limits (up to 120 kmph) have been a hit with daily commuters, the new toll rates may reduce the road’s appeal. A senior NHAI official mentioned that toll collection will commence soon after system integration and coordination with the district administration.

Since the expressway’s unofficial opening, safety violations—particularly by two-wheelers—have raised concerns. Despite being banned, bikes have entered through gaps in the incomplete fencing, resulting in accidents. In response, NHAI has requested clearance to deploy home guards at toll booths and vulnerable points along the road.

"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.

Officials expect a possible decline in road usage once tolling begins, but believe the expressway will continue to benefit commuters traveling between eastern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. To enhance last-mile connectivity, NHAI has also allocated funds to improve rural and district roads linking Sundarapalya with the Bengaluru–Kolar Expressway via Mulbagal.

However, motorists are urging the government to address long-standing traffic jams between KR Pura and Hoskote. The congested stretch frequently cancels out the time saved on the 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."

[With TOI inputs]