Despite the incomplete service path, the collection collection began with NH 209 stretching that connects Bengaluru to Kana Capra. Residents and commuters are upset

Toll Square in Somanahalli on the 209 National Expressway of Bengaluru-Kanakapura. |Picture source: K. Bhagya Prakash

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has collected losses on Bengaluru-Kanakapura Road from Friday (May 9, 2025), catching commuters and local residents off guard even if the service road construction remains incomplete.

According to the toll at the collection point near Somanahalli, which extends at the 209 National Expressway, Bengaluru-Kanakapura, this is Rs 85 for cars, jeeps and similar light vehicles, one trip, return journey of Rs 130. Light commercial vehicles and small roads must pay Rs 140 for one-way and round trip is Rs 205. For trucks and larger buses, the charges are Rs 290 and Rs 435, respectively.

It takes three axle vehicles to pay Rs 315 for one direction and it takes Rs 475 for the return trip. Vehicles with four to six axles will charge Rs 455 one way, return to Rs 680 for the trip, while those with seven or more axles will pay Rs 555 for one way trip, while return to Rs 830 for the trip.

Key Stretch

NHAI is upgrading the NH 209 corridor, an important stretch that connects Bengaluru to Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, to become a two-lane road. The project passed through Kana Capra, Malavali, Korgar, Sharajanagar and Punjab, which are far from complete, especially in areas near the southern suburbs of Bengaluru.

Residents of villages such as Kaggalipura, Somanahalli, Tharalu and Nelaguli, located near the new toll square, objected to Nhai’s decision. Locals urged authorities to build a 6km service road on either side of the toll gate to connect Bangalore and Kana Capra so that they can bypass the toll and continue traveling every day without paying the toll.

They also stressed the importance of completing the four-ride on the expressway, which has been developing in stages.

Resident Pruthviraj K., who traveled along the route on Friday, was surprised to see the collection. “It is reasonable to ask for funds when basic infrastructure such as service roads are not ready. NHAI should provide local motorists with free passes or accelerate service road construction 6 kilometers on either side of the toll plaza. Daily commuters like us are unfairly punished.”

Improve existing roads

Meanwhile, residents called for improvements to the road connecting Gandhinagar to Kagalipra. Their needs include proper drainage systems, sidewalks and pedestrian safety infrastructure before collecting any tolls.

Prashanth Hosadurga, a member of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, accused NHAI of bypassing public consultation. “Tolls were imposed without notifying us. Local commercial and non-commercial vehicles should be exempted from these charges within a 20 km range,” he said.

Alternative roads

Many motorists have been using the Kanakapura – Malavalli route as an alternative to the access-controlled highway in Bangalore – Mysuru, where tolls are collected. Commuters feel stuck when both corridors are charging.

Srikanth R., a regular commuter from JP Nagar to Mysuru, said: “We turned to Kanakapura Road to avoid heavy losses and unpredictable traffic, especially on weekends, on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. Now, the road is good, and there are no proper options. The infrastructure should be done before the toll, not the other way around.”

Hindu Attempted to contact NHAI officials, but no response was received.