Bengaluru Chennai Expressway Toll Collection Begins With Charges For Vehicles
Bengaluru: Motorists on the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway will now need to pay for using the much-anticipated high-speed corridor, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officially began toll collection from September 4. The move marks a significant step in monetising the partially completed stretch while authorities continue to work toward full operational status by 2026.
The 71-km section currently functional in Karnataka, running from Hedigenbale near Hoskote to Sundarpalya near Kolar Gold Fields, has opened four toll plazas. According to NHAI officials, car owners will now pay ₹185 for a one-way trip and ₹275 for a round trip on this route. For those travelling in the opposite direction, the charge is marginally higher at ₹190 and ₹280 respectively. Larger vehicles including buses, trucks, and light commercial vehicles will face tariffs ranging from ₹610 to ₹955.
The expressway, designed for speeds up to 120 kmph, is part of a larger high-speed corridor linking Bengaluru with Chennai. While commuters have welcomed the convenience of reduced travel time and smoother connectivity, the introduction of tolls has sparked debate on affordability and value for money. Some private transport operators argue that the tariffs, especially for heavy vehicles, may raise logistical costs and put pressure on freight movement.
To balance frequent usage, NHAI has rolled out monthly pass options for private cars. At ₹6,105 for 50 one-way trips and ₹6,260 for round trips, the scheme is aimed at regular commuters who rely on the expressway for work and business. In addition, annual Fastag passes priced at ₹3,000 provide seamless access, reducing delays at toll plazas.Experts believe that the toll implementation is a necessary step to ensure financial sustainability of large-scale highway projects. “User fees are critical for maintaining high-speed corridors that demand continuous upkeep. At the same time, it is important to keep tariffs balanced so that the expressway remains accessible for all categories of road users,” said an industry observer.
Despite the optimism, the project is far from complete. The Tamil Nadu section of the expressway has faced construction delays, and the full 262-km corridor is not expected to be operational until July 2026. Once finished, the corridor is expected to cut down travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai to less than three hours, a transformative leap for trade, logistics, and passenger mobility across southern India.
For now, the opening of toll collection signals a new phase for one of India’s most ambitious road projects one that blends efficiency with the challenge of equitable access. The long-term success of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway will depend on how well authorities manage costs, safety, and inclusivity in this critical infrastructure rollout.
