Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway Sees Toll Crackdown, Commuters Protest
Authorities Seal Alternate Routes, Sparking Protest Among Motorists
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a decisive step in curbing toll evasion along the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway by sealing entry and exit points near Bidadi. This crackdown aims to ensure all vehicles pass through designated toll plazas, effectively putting an end to unauthorised detours that were costing the toll contractor an estimated ₹30 lakh per month in lost revenue. The closure of the Lakshmisagara exit, which previously allowed vehicles to bypass toll booths at Sheshagirihalli and Kaniminike, has left daily commuters with no option but to pay toll charges for their regular travel. This sudden enforcement has triggered a strong backlash from local residents and workers who rely on these routes for their daily commute.
Motorists Face Increased Costs and Congestion
The abrupt sealing of these alternate routes has led to significant disruption, particularly for residents of Ramanagara, Bidadi, and workers from the Bidadi Industrial Area. Many commuters have raised concerns over the lack of prior notice, leaving them unprepared for the additional costs and extended travel time. Kannada activist groups have also criticised the decision, arguing that forcing local residents to pay hefty toll fees for short-distance travel is unfair. Meanwhile, traffic congestion has worsened on alternative routes, as vehicles struggle to navigate through narrow service roads and towns. In response, toll operators, with police assistance, have been stationed to prevent unauthorised U-turns or attempts to remove barricades. The situation has also raised broader concerns about equitable toll pricing policies and the impact on local mobility.
Sustainability and Civic Implications of Toll Enforcements
While the NHAI’s decision aims to streamline toll collections, its sustainability impact is debatable. With traffic being redirected through smaller roads and town centres, the move could contribute to increased fuel consumption and emissions. The added congestion on alternate routes negates the expressway’s original intent of reducing travel time and fuel wastage. In comparison, countries like Singapore have adopted a more dynamic pricing system for tolls, ensuring that short-distance commuters are not disproportionately burdened. Additionally, urban planners argue that a more sustainable approach would involve better integration of toll pricing with public transport alternatives, reducing the reliance on private vehicles while ensuring fairness in toll collection.
Economic and Business Fallout Amid Allegations of Influence
Adding to the controversy, there are allegations that the closure of the Lakshmisagara exit was influenced by local businesses, particularly food vendors who saw a decline in customers after the expressway bypassed Bidadi. Previously, motorists using the service road often made stops at roadside eateries, benefiting small vendors. Now, with vehicles forced onto the toll route, vendors are hoping for a resurgence in highway traffic through Bidadi town. Whether this decision was purely an enforcement measure or a move influenced by local economic interests remains a point of debate. As protests mount and civic concerns grow, the need for a balanced tolling strategy that considers both infrastructure sustainability and commuter fairness becomes increasingly evident.
