New toll rates announced for Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway: Here's everything travellers need to know

In a recent update, motorists on the Karnataka stretch of the upcoming Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway will have to soon pay toll charges. The new rates have been finalised by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the 71-kilometre section between Hedigenabele (near Hoskote) and Sundarapalya (near Kolar Gold Fields).

The same expressway was unofficially open seven months ago but the toll collection was not there. According to a news report by Times Of India, the toll collection is expected to begin soon. Let’s have a look:

Toll placement
There will be four toll plazas at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya. It’s a distance-based toll system. This means that the charges will be proportionate to the section used by the vehicle.
Toll Rates (Cars and Jeeps)

For a one-way trip between Hedigenabele and Sundarapalya, drivers will have to shell INR 185 for cars and jeeps. The return journey is priced at INR 275. Interestingly, travelling in the reverse direction (Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele) will cost little more which is INR 190 one-way and inr 285 for a round trip.

Monthly pass

NHAI has also come up with the option of a monthly pass, which is available at INR 6,105 for 50 trips in one direction and INR 6,260 for the reverse.

Other vehicles rates
The toll rate for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and minibuses is INR 295 one-way and INR 445 for a return trip between Hedigenabele and Sundarapalya.

INR 620 has been set for heavy trucks and buses (one-way from Hedigenabele) while the return will cost INR 930. In the Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele direction, charges will be INR 635 and INR 955, respectively.
High-speed travel with home guards for safety

The expressway is designed for high-speed travel. It will allow speeds of up to 120 km/hr. No two-wheelers are allowed on the route. To implement this rule, NHAI seeks permission to deploy home guards at vulnerable entry points and toll plazas.

About the expressway
The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is among the country’s most ambitious highways. It will reduce travel time between Chennai and Bengaluru significantly. Once operational, the expressway is expected to cut down the current travel time from around 6–7 hours to just under 4 hours.